Two people, including a 12-year-old child, were killed after a wildfire tore through a residential area near the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki, authorities said on Wednesday, as firefighters continued efforts to contain the blaze.

The latest victim was found inside a house in the Derveni area of Oreokastro, near the location where rescue teams had earlier recovered the body of an adult man. Greek state broadcaster ERT reported that the two victims were a father and his child.

The child's mother survived the fire with injuries and told emergency crews that her husband and son had remained inside the house as she escaped. Authorities later confirmed that the residence had been completely destroyed by the flames.

The wildfire erupted on Tuesday in the Derveni area, northwest of Thessaloniki, and spread rapidly through forest and scrubland, fueled by high temperatures, dry conditions and strong winds. Firefighting aircraft and dozens of firefighters were deployed to prevent the blaze from reaching additional homes.

Civil Protection authorities issued emergency alerts urging residents in nearby communities to remain vigilant or evacuate where necessary as crews worked to bring the fire under control.

Greece faces destructive wildfires almost every summer, with prolonged heatwaves, strong winds and dry vegetation increasing the risk of fast-moving blazes. Authorities have kept several regions on high wildfire alert in recent days as extreme weather conditions persist.

The cause of the wildfire remains under investigation.(ILKHA)