Athens (dpa)
Fires broke out on Tuesday across several popular holiday regions in Greece, as the country's Civil Protection Ministry issued the second-highest fire warning level for approximately one-third of the country.
The affected areas include almost the entire Peloponnese peninsula, the north-west coast of the country, the islands of Lesbos and Samos, as well as the Chalkidiki peninsula.
Strong winds, which can turn even a spark into a major fire, are expected to persist locally in the coming days.
On Tuesday, houses on the Ionian island of Zakynthos were under threat from a major fire, according to the newspaper Kathimerini.
Fires are also burning in the region of Phocis, north of the Peloponnese peninsula, and on the island of Kefalonia, although no residential areas are in danger there.
Prolonged drought and, in some cases, strong winds are providing ideal conditions for the flames and are also complicating firefighting efforts.
The ministry is urging citizens to exercise caution and avoid igniting any embers.