UPDATE - Major wildfire in northeastern Greece forces evacuation of 8 settlements

UPDATES WITH MORE DETAILS, CHANGES HEADLINE, DECK, EDITS THROUGHOUT

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) – A major wildfire that broke out in Greece’s northeastern town of Alexandroupolis on Saturday forced evacuation of at least eight nearby settlements, state-run AMNA news agency reported.

The fire that started in the early hours continued to spread, despite efforts by firefighters because of strong winds in the area.

Besides 135 personnel, at least seven firefighting airplanes and two helicopters were engaged to put out the blaze.

Dense smoke has hampered the work of the firefighters, and could also create visibility problems at the Alexandroupolis Airport.