Wildfires across southern Europe continue to cause massive damage and threaten the evacuation of thousands as a heatwave scorches parts of the continent.

In Greece, firefighters are battling to control wildfires on the outskirts of the nation's third largest city, Patras.

Seven major wildfires forced multiple evacuations, destroying homes and businesses. The local civil protection service issued more than 20 mobile phone alerts due to the fire.

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HIGH WINDS hindered firefighting efforts on nearby islands, where authorities were on standby to evacuate tourist resorts.

Other severe fires burned in the western part of the Greek mainland as well as on the island of Chios.

[A resident wearing a mask watches as the fires approach the

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