©Hellenic Red Cross

ATHENS, Greece — Firefighters west of Athens raced to exploit a break in high winds on Tuesday, working to strengthen containment lines …Several fires that burned through mountain communities and coastal areas west of the Greek capital were brought under control overnight. Planes and helicopters dumped water inside the contained perimeters through the morning, dousing hot spots while the winds stayed calm. “There is a huge fire load in the area and the risk goes up as the day progresses,” said Costas Tsingas, head of the Greek Firefighters Association. “The goal is for the day to end better than it started.” Burning for a fifth day, the blaze outside Athens prompted the evacuation of more than 1,000 people and was blamed on a faulty power line from a wind farm in the area. Authorities say 33 people were arrested between June 29 and Aug. 2 for starting fires, including three on suspicion of arson.

Additional coverage

• Associated Press in CBC News: 2 killed after helicopters battling Greece wildfires collide
• Sydney Morning Herald: Two die as Australian firefighting helicopters collide in Greece