In pictures: Greek forest fires

At dawn near Zaharo, in western Greece, forest fires continued to burn ferociously after a prolonged heatwave and drought. The daylight would bring horror to the town.

Dozens of people were caught up in the advancing flames, in their homes, or as they tried to flee in cars or on foot.

Some people got out in time, leaving vehicles behind. Others were stranded because they had no means of escape.

Some residents later returned to inspect what was left of their homes.

Fire services were stretched to the limit. Helicopters tried to douse the flames in the Peloponnese region, but high winds hampered the use of planes.

In Athens, too, major fires encroached on the city, and aircraft were called in to help dampen the flames.

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