Volunteers care for dogs rescued from Greece wildfires

Dog shelters in Greece are reporting an increase in the number of animals arriving with burn injuries and signs of "shock" and "tiredness" as a result of wildfires.

The devastating fires broke out as the country roasted during the most intense and protracted heat wave experienced in around 30 years.

In an abandoned quarry in Athens, temporarily donated by the local municipality, volunteers have treated hundreds of animals displaced or injured by the fires.

As the flames spread through woods and residential areas close to the capital, some of the thousands who evacuated left without their pets.

Elena Dede, founder of the Dogs' Voice rescue group, promptly set up a pop-up shelter.

Here, dozens of volunteers working in shifts make sure they provide enough food, water, medical attention and exercise for the dogs.

Dede said on top of any injuries, the traumatic impact of the wildfires had left the animals "really shocked, really tired".

Many of the dogs had suffered burns on their skin and paws, with 16 animals still needing more serious care, Dede said.

Although Thursday saw a much improved situation of the hundreds of active blazes, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis warned the danger was still present following what he called the greatest ecological catastrophe Greece in decades.