Firefighters in Greece were hoping to contain a wildfire on the outskirts of Athens on Tuesday that is burning for a fifth day, with easing winds enabling the use of vital aircraft.
"Today, more than 30 aircraft will be deployed in the area," enabling access to difficult mountain terrain, fire department deputy spokesperson Yiannis Artopios told state TV ERT.
Over 500 firefighters were deployed in villages around Mount Kithairon, some 60 kilometres northwest of the capital according to the fire service.
"We want to keep the fire in a controlled situation," Artopios said.
Large areas affected by the fire still contained active or smouldering hotspots requiring constant monitoring, as even a strong gust of wind could trigger fresh outbreaks, the spokesperson said.
