Greece wildfire spreads

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In Greece, officials are evacuating residents from areas around Athens as a fast-moving wildfire, driven by strong winds, threatens homes and important facilities.

Over 670 firefighters are battling the blaze, which has spread rapidly, creating a 12-mile front near the capital. Despite their efforts, the fire reached the northern suburbs, including the national observatory on Penteli Hill.

Authorities discovered the body of a woman in the suburb of Vrillisia, marking the first casualty since the fire began. The wildfire, intensified by prolonged drought and high winds, has forced evacuations in at least 25 areas, including the historic town of Marathon. Greece, facing one of its hottest and driest years, has called for help from other European Union countries to combat the fire.

The situation remains critical as winds continue to fuel the blaze, with meteorologists predicting more challenging days ahead. The Greek prime minister has returned to Athens to oversee the response, as the nation recalls the deadly fires of six years ago.

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SMART Prep | Quick Question 210573

At Te Rimu School, the student council started a recycling system to reduce waste in classrooms and the staffroom. Brightly labelled bins were placed near the library, hall, and canteen. Students learned which items could be recycled, such as clean paper, cans, and some plastic containers. Each Friday, a group of volunteers checked the bins and emptied them into larger containers. After several weeks, the school noticed less rubbish in the skip bin and a cleaner playground. The principal said the new system showed that small actions can make a big difference to the environment.

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