Wildfire that has broken out in Athens' northern suburbs since Sunday afternoon continues to rage for the third day on Tuesday.

Firefighters gave a huge battle all night to prevent the fast-moving forest fire from spreading and reaching the inhabited area of Metochi and the village of Kapandriti, located some 40 km north of Athens.

Early in the morning, firefighting aircraft along with four helicopters started dropping water in the area.

A total of 180 firefighters were working in the area, manning 72 fire engines, with the help of volunteers.

Strong winds and hot weather make more difficult for the firefighters to control the raging wildfire. According to the National Meteorological Service, the winds will become stronger during the day.

Forest fires continue to spread throughout Greece. A total of 55 forest fires were recorded in the last 24 hours throughout the country, according to a statement released by the Fire Service.

In the Ionian island of Zakynhthos, that is declared in a state of emergency, a total of 22 fires were recorded within the last five days. Arson investigators have been dispatched to the island.

In other fronts, in the Peloponnese region of Ilia, the site of Greece's worst fires in 2007, which killed more than 70 people, blazes broke out in three areas on Monday, prompting the evacuation of a village.

Greece suffers each summer from destructive wildfires which are linked to scorching temperatures, and arson in many cases.