A wildfire has broken out and burned an area covered with pine trees on the Sithonia peninsula in northern Greece on Thursday, with strong winds hindering the efforts of the firefighters.
A force of 80 firemen with 37 vehicles along with numerous volunteer firefighters were in the area since early morning, assisted by aircraft and helicopters.
The region of central Macedonia has now called a state of emergency for the village of Sarti. "We called a state of emergency for the area of Sarti, Sithonia, Halkidiki. Very difficult conditions, superhuman efforts from the firefighters," Apostolos Tzitzikostas, governor of the region of northern Greece, said in a post on Facebook.
Police blocked off roads in the area as firefighters continued to battle with the blaze with the support of helicopters.
Late in the day, the fire spread to the beach area of Achlada, prompting authorities to evacuate the area of the few residents living there at this time of year. Authorities said they would proceed with more evacuations of residents if needed.
