Thousands of residents were forced to evacuate their homes as large forest fires reached the suburbs of Athens, with some flames reaching heights of up to 25 metres.

Houses and properties in nearby towns such as Varnavas and in the northeast of the Greek capital are on fire, including a school in Nea Penteli.

The firefighting planes had to land at sunset, so the ground operation was carried out overnight.

Residents complained about a lack of fire engines and firefighters and Greek authorities accepted offers of international assistance.

Greece has just experienced the hottest months in June and July on record.

The fire department announced that there was a danger of new fires not only on Tuesday, but also in the coming days.

In unprecedented scenes, people in Athens wore masks to protect themselves from the choking smoke that hung in the air.

A human chain of firefighters, volunteer firefighters, police officers and citizens tried to extinguish the fires using all the means at their disposal. Some even resorted to using branches.

Strong winds also promote the rapid spread of fire as they carry burning pine cones away from the trees.

Thousands of people were ordered to evacuate, but some refused in order to save their homes.

A message from the emergency services called on residents of the capital’s northern suburb of Dionysus to evacuate towards nearby Kifissia. Thirty such local messages were sent.

Although the fire service said there is no longer an active fire front, there are still many hot spots, especially in the area of ​​Penteli Mountain, known for its marble quarries, and at Lake Marathon.

People in towns and villages, including the historic site of Marathon, were urged to move to safer areas on Sunday.

More than 700 firefighters, 119 vehicles and numerous soldiers were deployed to extinguish the flames, with many Volunteers also make their contribution.

Further help is expected from Spain, Italy, Turkey, Romania and Canada. France is also providing a Super Puma multi-purpose helicopter and the Czech Republic is sending 75 firefighters and 25 vehicles.

The fire raging around Mount Penteli and the adjacent Athens suburb of the same name has led to the evacuation of three hospitals.

The National Observatory of Athens in Penteli is also in danger as some of its facilities have gone up in flames.

A fire in a wood factory is particularly worrying because of the presence of hazardous substances in the area. There is a disused petrol station next door.

In other parts of Penteli, several explosions were heard, most likely coming from fuel tanks and gas cylinders in residential buildings.