ATHENS: Greece on Sunday was still battling wildfires that have ravaged homes and sparked evacuations across the country, but firefighters have brought many outbreaks under control. According to the fire brigade, 55 new fires erupted in the last 24 hours but 50 were immediately controlled.

Greece Sunday was still battling wildfires that have ravaged homes and sparked evacuations across the country, but firefighters have brought many out

European Union countries, including the Czech Republic and Italy, are sending aircrafts and firefighters to help.

People living in the suburb of Kryoneri were told to move to safe areas on Saturday as almost 150 firefighters fought the blaze, backed up by 44 fire engines, planes and helicopters.

To avoid starting wildfires – which is a criminal offence in Greece – you should always pick up litter (especially glass), avoid barbecues and make sure that cigarettes are properly extinguished.

Evacuations in Greece after major forest fire breaks out - Fires fanned by gusty winds and stubborn heatwave that has pushed temperatures to around 40C across much of Greece

The fires have burned 1,145 hectares (2,830 acres), the equivalent of about 1,600 football pitches, according to European monitoring service Copernicus.