Elena Becatoros

The fire is the most severe of dozens that have broken out across Greece in the past week, after the country was baked by its worst heat wave in three decades.

Finance ministers of the 19-nation euro single currency group on Friday approved the first 26 billion euros ($29 billion) of a vast new bailout package to help rebuild Greece's shattered economy.

Left-wing Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras sought his party's backing for a harsh new austerity package Friday to keep his country in the euro — less than a week after urging Greeks to reject milder cuts in a referendum.

Greece's government appeared to be caving into demands from its creditors on Wednesday, offering concessions in a desperate attempt to get more aid hours after its bailout program expired.

Anxious Greek pensioners swarmed closed bank branches Monday in the hope of getting their pensions, while queues formed at ATMs as they gradually began dispensing cash again following the imposition of strict controls on capital.

Greece's prime minister today abandoned his explosive plan to put a European rescue deal to popular vote, but continued squabbling in Athens left the country's solvency in doubt and the eurozone in turmoil.