Greek authorities say at least 24 people have died and more than 104 others have been injured as forest fires rage near the capital Athens

A fast-moving wildfire raged through a mountainous area west of Athens on Monday (July 23), forcing residents to flee their homes and sending plumes of smoke and ash over the Greek capital.

Greek authorities say at least 24 people have died and more than 104 others have been injured. The coast guard said four more bodies have been found at sea near the wildfires raging near Greece’s capital, raising the death toll to at least 24.

Dozens of firefighters and trucks rushed to control the blaze in the popular seaside settlement of Kineta, some 50 kilometres outside Athens. Water-dropping planes and helicopters were also deployed.But strong winds frequently changing direction were hampering efforts, authorities said.A 20-kilometre section of two highways was closed to traffic as thick smoke reduced visibility, creating dangerous driving conditions.

Forest fires are common in Greece during hot summers and a dry winter has created tinderbox conditions. This year temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius have been predicted.More than 60 people died in 2007 when fires raged across large swaths of southern Greece.