Update: it appears that far from accidental, there may be an arson element behind these events. According to Greek ERT1 TV, "66 wildfires broke out simultaneously", which is highly improbable without human intervention, begging the question: is someone employing "scorched earth" tactics with Germany's latest vassal state?

via #ERT1 TV - 66 wildfires broke out simultaneously. #Greece — Andrew McC Crawford (@andymccc) July 17, 2015

Greece is burning, literally, as Athens residents fled their homes on Friday amid wildfires fanned by strong winds and high temperatures burned through woodland around the Greek capital, sending clouds of smoke billowing over the city. Greek PM Tsipras urged calm as more than 80 firefighters with 18 fire engines and three aircraft battled the flames... brings a whole new meaning to the term 'firesale'...

Dozens flee homes as wildfires rage near Athens http://t.co/PX9K1wMfkE pic.twitter.com/jfzVz4IxZ4 — The Telegraph (@Telegraph) July 17, 2015

And from the sky...

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The problems are mounting as new fires are igniting rapidly...