Greece wildfire contained but strong winds prompt evacuations

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ATHENS (Reuters) -A wildfire on the outskirts of Athens was contained on Saturday morning, but evacuations of at-risk areas continued as strong winds were expected through the weekend. 

At least one person died and homes and farmlands were destroyed on Friday as wildfires stoked by gale-force winds broke out across Greece, from near the capital to regions around the historical site of Ancient Olympia.

The worst blaze broke out in the small town of Keratea, southwest of the capital, where firefighters discovered the body of an elderly man in a burned-out structure. A fire brigade spokesperson said on Saturday the fire there was under control but not out. 

Greece and other Mediterranean countries are in an area dubbed “a wildfire hot spot” by scientists, with blazes common during hot and dry summers. These have become more destructive in recent years due to a fast-changing climate, prompting calls for a new approach.

Much of the region around Athens has had barely a drop of rain in months.

Wind gusts of up to 80 kph (50 mph) fanned the flames around Keratea on Friday, setting olive orchards alight. Homes were engulfed as locals wearing flimsy face masks assisted firefighters. Police went door to door late at night making sure that homes had been evacuated.

Much of the area smouldered on Saturday morning, and images on local media showed houses gutted by fire. 

Other blazes in the region of Ancient Olympia and on the touristy island of Kefalonia appeared to have abated also. 

(Reporting by Edward McAllister, Michele Kambas and Vania Turner; Editing by William Mallard)