Firefighters contain major blaze near Athens

Athens, Aug 12 (AFP/APP):Greek firefighters on Monday brought under control a major forest fire that was threatening homes on the outskirts of Athens, officials said.
At least two houses were burned but there were no reports of injuries as police quickly evacuated the area and blocked roads.
“Two homes were burned but nobody was inside…for now no residential areas are in danger,” greater Athens deputy regional governor Petros Filippou told reporters.
The civil protection authority said the blaze started around three am (0000 GMT) in the eastern suburb of Peania, in the pine-forested foothills of Mount Ymittos.
“It was a huge fire with flames around 20 metres (60 feet) high, near homes,” civil protection chief Nikos Hardalias told Antenna TV.
Over 130 firemen were dispatched to the scene to stop the fire spreading to heavily inhabited areas nearby.
Fire-bombing aircraft joined the operation at first light.