A fast-moving wildfire near Athens has prompted mass evacuations as flames reached heights of 25 meters, fueled by hot, windy weather. More than 400 firefighters, supported by waterbombing aircraft, are attempting to contain the blaze in Varnavas, 20 miles north of the capital, where evacuation alerts were issued for nine nearby areas. The fire has created thick smoke that has enveloped Athens, with authorities warning of extreme fire risks due to persistently high temperatures and drought conditions. Greece has faced hundreds of wildfires since May, attributed to climate change, with June and July marked as the hottest on record. Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias cautioned that half the country remains at high risk of additional fires this week. As the situation escalates, emergency measures involving military and volunteers are being implemented to combat the ongoing threat.