Residents have been evacuated as wildfires spread near Athens

Thousands of residents have been evacuated from their homes as massive wildfires reach suburbs of Athens, with some flames leaping up to 25m (80ft).

Homes and buildings in nearby towns like Varnavas and the northeastern parts of the Greek capital are burning, including a school in Nea Penteli.

At sunset, planes working to extinguish the blaze were forced to land, making ground operations at night.

Residents complain that there are not enough fire trucks and firefighters to help, as Greek authorities appeal for international help.

Help is expected from Spain, Italy, Turkey, Romania and Canada, while France is also providing a Super Puma helicopter and the Czech Republic is sending 75 firefighters and 25 vehicles.

In unprecedented scenes, Athenians wore masks to protect themselves from the choking smoke that filled the air, as they tried to put out the flames.

A line of firefighters, volunteer firefighters, police and citizens used everything they had to try to put out the fire, some resorting to tree branches.

Strong winds also help the fire spread quickly.

Earlier on Monday, fire department spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis said the wind had reached seven on the Beaufort scale, indicating that there is a moderate storm.

Burning pine cones blown from the trees by the wind spread the fire.

After the fire for more than 24 hours, thousands of people were ordered to leave, some refused to save their homes.

A message from emergency services asks residents of the northern area of ​​the capital Dionysos to evacuate to nearby Kifissia. 30 such localized messages have been sent.

On Sunday, people in towns and villages, including the historic Marathon area, were ordered to evacuate to safer areas.

There are more than 700 firefighters, 119 vehicles, and a lot of soldiers planted to put out the flames, many volunteers also contribute.

One fire broke out in Mount Penteli, famous for its marble quarries, and the area close to Athens of the same name where three hospitals were evacuated.

The National Observatory of Athens in Penteli is also in danger, as flames are burning in some of its facilities.

One fire – which burned down a timber industry – is of particular concern due to its environmental hazards. There is a gas station outside the business next door.

In some parts of Penteli, various explosions may be heard, most likely from fuel tanks and gas cylinders.

Parts of the capital were left under clouds thickness brown smoke.

Greece just got really hot in June and July on the record.

Weather and Defense Minister Vassilis Kikilias warned that the most dangerous weather will continue.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis returned to Athens on Sunday, cutting short his vacation, to deal with the problem.