ATHENS, Greece (NEWSnet/AP) — Greece’s fire service intensified water-drops west of Athens, where a huge blaze was contained overnight, as authorities braced for a new round of extreme weather.

Seven firefighting planes and nine helicopters were operating in the area, including four planes sent from Italy and France, as part of European Union support.

Searing heat across Europe’s Mediterranean south has maintained a high risk of fire in Spain, Italy and Greece.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Hellenic Fire Service and civil protection authority would remain on alert as a heat wave moved eastward across Greece. Temperature is expected to reach 113F by Sunday.

A state of emergency was declared Thursday on the island of Rhodes, where evacuation orders were issued.

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