Greek authorities have ordered the evacuation of Marathon, the birthplace of the Marathon race, due to a raging wildfire.

Residents were directed to move towards the neighboring Nea Makri.

Facilities of the Athens Olympic Athletic Center, around 30 km from Marathon, opened to host evacuees overnight.

The fire, which started near Varnavas, 35 km from Athens, spread quickly due to hot and windy weather.

Approximately 400 firefighters, 29 water-dropping airplanes, and helicopters have been deployed to control the blaze.

Eight people have been hospitalized mainly with respiratory issues.

Additionally, another wildfire near Megara has been controlled.

Authorities have responded to 40 wildfires across Greece in the past 24 hours and caution that high temperatures may increase fire risk.

This year, two people have died from wildfires in Greece.