Greece fires spread, killing a fireman

Huge clouds of smoke are billowing over the northern outskirts of the capital, Athens, where people are being urged to leave their homes.

More than 150 fires have been reported. Six areas have been put on high alert.

Greece, like many parts of Europe, has been grappling with extreme weather. The prime minister says a heatwave has turned the country into a powder keg.

Hundreds of firefighters are trying to control the fires with nearly 20 water-bombing aircraft. Extra firefighters and planes are being sent in from countries including France and the US.

Fanned by unpredictable winds, the worst blazes are around the north of Athens. A 38-year-old volunteer firefighter was killed by a falling electricity pole in a suburb of the city.

The other victim was the president of the Athens Chamber of Commerce, Konstantinos Michalos. He was found unconscious in a factory close to where a fire was raging.

A further 20 people have been injured.

Thousands of people have been ordered to leave their homes outside Athens as the blaze tore through houses, cars and businesses.

Fires are also raging on the nearby island of Evia, and areas close to ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games.

Michalos said the wildfires is of unprecedented intensity and had spread with all forces fighting the battle day and night to save lives, together with volunteers.

BBC/Lateefah Ibrahim