A wildfire which broke out at noon on Monday at Marathon city, near the starting point of the original Marathon course, was put under control within hours, the Fire Brigade announced.

The fire which started after a car crash at a distance of some 40 kilometers east of Athens, burnt down ten houses, forested area and damaged cars, according to local officials.

Earlier in the afternoon dozens of residents had been evacuated from a Marathon suburb as a precaution, as the blaze was fanned by strong winds.

No injuries have been reported.

Greece suffers from forest fires each summer often linked to high temperatures, strong winds and arson.