Children’s camp evacuated as firefighters try to contain Xylokastro blaze

Almost 100 firefighters battled a wildfire last night that broke out earlier in the day near the town of Xylokastro, west of Athens, forcing dozens of children to be evacuated.

The fire service said last night that the blaze had moved into a ravine, making it easier for authorities to bring it under control. They said it was not threatening any homes in the area.

Earlier in the day, for precautionary reasons, police officers helped move dozens of children from a local summer camp, with the last 50 being evacuated in the evening.

Nine aircraft, including two water-dropping helicopters, took part in the operation to put out the blaze during the day.