A brush fire south of the Greek capital has injured three firefighters and damaged homes and cars, but has now been contained, authorities said.

Authorities had ordered the evacuation of dozens of homes in two communities in Lagonissi, a coastal area some 30 km from Athens with homes scattered across land plots.

Around 40 firefighters, 20 fire trucks and two water-dropping helicopters battled the blaze, which locals say broke out around 2 pm local time and was fanned by strong winds.

Three firemen were lightly injured and two trucks suffered damage, a fire brigade official said. At least three homes were damaged by flames.

Summer wildfires are common in Greece. Hundreds died in 2007 during the most serious outbreak in decades.

Reuters