An airplane flies over smoke billowing over Athens, on July 17.
Wildfires aggravated by strong winds and high temperatures put large parts of Greece on high alert on Friday and forced hundreds to evacuate.
Firefighters are facing emergencies near the Greek capital of Athens, in the country's south and on the island of Evia, the Associated Press reports. One man died after inhaling fumes and suffering respiratory problems, Reuters notes.
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras urged Greeks to remain calm. He said he had asked the country's military and air forces, as well as other European countries, for support.
Photographs published by wire agencies and social media users on Friday gave a glimpse into the fierceness of the fires and highlight the urgency of the situation.
People stand in front of a fire near Athens, Greece, on July 17, 2015.
Smoke billows over Athens, Greece, on July 17, 2015.
Firefighters try to extinguish a fire near Athens, Greece, on July 17, 2015.
A firefighter airplane flies over smoke billowing over Athens, Greece, on July 17, 2015.
Residents flee from a fire near Athens, Greece, on July 17, 2015.
People flee from a fire near Athens, Greece, on July 17, 2015.
The caption reads: "Fire right now in Hymettus, the place I call home. God help us."
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.