Greek wildfires: Multi-national firefighters battle Evia blaze as some refuse to evacuate

More than one thousand firefighters from Greece and abroad scrambled to contain fires burning around the country on Tuesday, with the largest front on the island of Evia.

Greek brigades were assisted by teams of fighters and aircraft from several countries on the island, including a 75-strong team from Slovakia with 30 vehicles. Continuous flare-ups and a pick-up of winds have made the work of firefighters difficult, where at least 46,000 hectares of land and scores of houses have been destroyed.

Meanwhile, residents of one village refused to adhere to the call by authorities to evacuate.

Some residents of Avgaria, with a population of around 60, have been on continuous night patrols to keep fires encircling the village away from their properties.

"There is no way we will leave the village, because I believe I can help in some way," said resident Ioanna Metaksioti. "We are very afraid, but we have to stay."

Late on Monday fires had flared up around six villages, including Avgaria, police said, where flames threatened the village and an evacuation was ordered.

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