Greece on Saturday requested assistance from the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism to combat multiple wildfires raging across the country, according to local broadcaster Mega Channel. The request includes six water-dropping aircraft to help battle five to six major wildfire fronts burning simultaneously in various regions of the eastern Mediterranean nation.

Firefighters warn of a "difficult day" ahead, with temperatures are forecast to reach up to 44C (111.2F) on Sunday.

Explosions could be heard as huge clouds of smoke covered Drosopigi village north of Athens, where factories with flammable material are located.