Wildfires in Greece continue to spread to areas near Athens creating a nightmare for hundreds of residents forced to flee their homes.

As darkness fell around Athens on Sunday, wildfires were still spreading, torching houses and burning large patches of forest. Firefighters had managed to reduce a massive wildfire around the Greek capital to four main fronts in the north and northeast section of Athens.

However, by Monday morning, rising winds caused fires to flare up again causing thousands of residents to flee their homes by car or on foot. Many relatives and friends outside the area feel helpless since they are not allowed to enter and extend aid to their loved ones.

Panicked residents continue battling the flames with hoses and other materials. Twelve aircraft, eight helicopters, 136 fire engines, more than 1000 fire fighters and soldiers were dispatched to the fires. In response to a call for assistance from the Greek government firefighting aircraft from Italy, France, and Cyprus joined in the operation on Monday.

Editor: Huan CAO| Source: CCTV.com