video transcript

(ROUGH CUT ONLY - NO REPORTER NARRATION) A wildfire raged in southeast coast near Athens on Thursday (July 19), burning large patches of forest and gutting homes. The blaze, fanned by strong winds, charred the roofs of several houses in Keratea, a populated suburb region on the Greek coast. Thick plumes of black smoke billowed into the air as the fire tore through vast areas of rural land. Dozens of firefighters with 35 fire engines, assisted by five water-bombing aircrafts and two helicopters, battled the flames, which receded later in the day. The fire prompted the pre-emptive evacuation of a monastery and a children's summer camp. Hundreds of residents fled their homes, but no injuries were reported. Wildfires are frequent in Greece during summer. Arson and human carelessness during sizzling temperatures and strong winds are the main causes.