At least 20 dead in out-of-control fires raging near Athens

A firefighter sprays water on the fire in the town of Mati, east of Athens. Photos / AP

A spokesman for the Greek Government says the death toll from two big bushfires raging on the outskirts of Athens has risen to at least 20.

Dimitris Tzanakopoulos said that at least 69 other people have been hospitalised with injuries. Many are in serious condition.

Greece has sought international assistance to cope with the fires near the capital, which have destroyed dozens of homes, burned cars and prompted tourists and Greeks to flee to beaches east of Athens for dramatic rescues by boats.

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras cut short a visit to Bosnia and returned to Athens to preside over an emergency response meeting with fire chiefs and government officials.

The two major forest fires are burning out-of-control on either side of the capital, turning the sky over Athens a hazy orange from the smoke.

Greece's coast guard says a search-and-rescue operation is underway for 10 people, believed to be foreign tourists, who fled a massive forest fire in a boat and were missing.

A coast guard helicopter and vessel were searching the sea near the town of Rafina, northeast of the Greek capital of Athens. They acted after receiving notification from Danish authorities, who had received a call from someone in Greece saying they were among a group of 10 people who fled a forest fire in a boat.

The coast guard said it was unclear what type of vessel the 10 people were in.

Fire Service spokeswoman Stavroula Malliri said three hospitals in greater Athens have been placed on alert to receive more casualties if needed.

Regional Greek authorities have declared a state of emergency in the eastern and western parts of greater Athens, as fires fanned by gale-force winds raged through pine forests and seaside towns.

People stand in the sea near to cars parked on the beach to protect them from the fire in the town of Mati, east of Athens.

- AP

Greece declared a state of emergency because of raging forest fires on either side of Athens. The fires have destroyed 100+ homes and forced several towns to evacuate. pic.twitter.com/2WvDlB0tHG

— AJ+ (@ajplus) July 23, 2018

Smoke engulfs Athens as forest fires spiral out of control pic.twitter.com/5q1B9ApepX

— Ruptly (@Ruptly) July 23, 2018