ATHENS — A firefighting helicopter crashed into the sea while attempting to collect water to combat a blaze in Athens. All three crew members were rescued and taken to a nearby hospital.

Greece is combating a surge in wildfires amid soaring temperatures.

A large wildfire broke out near the southern Greek city of Corinth on Tuesday, forcing the evacuation of several villages as firefighters battled flames under scorching conditions, authorities said.

More than 180 firefighters, supported by 15 aircraft and 12 helicopters, were deployed to tackle the blaze in a pine forest in the mountainous area of the municipality, according to the local fire department.

There were no immediate reports of injuries.

Temperatures in parts of Greece have soared to around 40 degrees Celsius during the summer, creating difficult conditions for emergency crews.

Wildfires are common during Greece's hot, dry summers and authorities have responded to dozens of outbreaks so far this year.

The Greek government said in May that it was deploying a record number of firefighters and nearly doubling its drone fleet this summer to address growing wildfire risks.

The risks of wildfires in the region remains high due to the ongoing heatwaves, drought and strong winds. Experts say climate change is exacerbating them.

A massive fire swept through the seaside town of Mati, east of Athens, in 2018. It trapped people in their homes and on roads as they tried to flee.

More than 100 people died, including some who drowned trying to swim away from the flames. -- Euronews