A large wildfire near Athens swept through the coastal towns of Palaia Fokaia and Thymari, destroying at least 20 homes and forcing over 1,000 evacuations as Greece faced its first summer heatwave with temperatures reaching 40 °C.

Strong winds spread flames quickly from low vegetation into residential areas.

Firefighters, residents, and aircraft battled the blaze, while coast guard teams rescued trapped beachgoers, the BBC has reported.

Authorities are investigating possible arson as the country faces heightened wildfire risks due to hot, dry conditions and climate change.

Written by B.C. Begley