Thousands flee wildfires burning out of control in Greece

Firefighters are battling 56 active wildfires, Civil Protection chief Nikos Hardalias said

A house was set on fire in Afidnes village, about 19 miles north of Athens. Picture: Thanassis Stavrakis/AP

Thousands of people have fled wildfires burning out of control in Greece, including a major blaze just north of the capital of Athens that left one person dead.

A protracted heatwave has turned forests into tinderboxes and flames threatened populated areas, electricity installations and historic sites.