Greek seaside resorts EVACUATED as massive wildfires erupt near Athens in 44C Charon ‘heat storm’ torching Europe

SEASIDE resorts in Greece have been evacuated as raging wildfires erupt during Europe’s 44C “heat storm”. The massive blaze started in Kouvaras – 30 miles of the Greek capital. EPAThe blaze started in Kouvaras – 30 miles of the Greek capital[/caption] ReutersResidents have been evacuated as wildfires rage during the heatwave[/caption] EPAGreece has been gripped by a scorching heatwave since last week[/caption] “It’s a difficult fire, the winds are really strong, with gusts reaching up to 37 miles per hour,” Yannis Artopios, a firefighters’ spokesman, said. Greece has been gripped by a scorching heatwave since last week – with the mercury hitting 44C in some parts of the country. Seven water-bombing aircraft, four choppers and a huge crew of 150 firemen are fighting the flames on two fronts. Firefighters are also being helped by 30 colleagues from Romania. The Greek civil service said up to 150 firefighters are desperately trying to get the blaze under control. In southern Europe, tourists are expecting temperatures of 49C. Holidaymakers and residents across the Mediterranean are being warned to avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine as the mercury rises in countries including Italy, Spain, France and Greece. Health officials are reminding people to stay hydrated and seek shade from the sun, with reports of people fainting in the heat. Red weather alert warnings are in place in 16 cities across Italy, including Rome. A red alert suggests the heat is high enough to pose a health risk to the whole population – not just vulnerable groups like the elderly and very young children. It comes after at least three people are believed to have died in Italy’s smothering heat last week. The scorcher also sparked wildfires in the Spanish island of La Palma, leading to the evacuation of more than 4,000 people. THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY… The Sun is your go to destination for the best celebrity news, football news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Download our fantastic, new and improved free App for the best ever Sun Online experience. For iPhone click here, for Android click here.  Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheSun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.