Two large wildfires have torn through coastal towns in Greece, as the country prepares for a second heatwave, writes SkyNews.

Fanned by strong winds, the wildfires have so far raged uncontrolled through two towns near Athens, damaging homes and forcing thousands of people to flee.

Hundreds of children have been evacuated from a summer camp, located around 80km west of the Greek capital Athens. Footage shows the wildfires burning and smoke billowing in the air as firefighters work alongside local residents to battle back the flames.

Evacuation orders have been issued for at least six seaside communities as the wildfires edged closer to summer resort towns and gusts of wind hit 45mph (70kph). One of the fires is reported to have started near the village of Kouvaras, about 27km southeast of Athens.

At least 5 houses are believed to have been severely damaged by the fire, which also tore through the seaside residential area of Lagonisi, a popular summer resort.