The worst forest fires to hit Greece in a decade have claimed the lives of at least 24 people near Athens as they attempted to flee the flames in cars or on foot.

Greece’s coast guard says the bodies of three women and a child have been found at sea close to where wildfires are raging near the country’s capital, taking the death toll to at least 24, foreign media reports.

More than 100 people have been injured in the fires that continue to burn on either side of Athens, charring farms and forests, and sending people fleeing to beaches so they can be evacuated on Navy vessels, yachts and fishing boats. Ambulance Service deputy director Miltiadis Mylonas said early on Tuesday the number of casualties is likely to rise as more gutted homes and cars are checked.

Greece is seeking assistance from the European Union to battle the fires, which have destroyed dozens of homes, burned cars and prompted tourists and Greeks to flee to beaches east of Athens for dramatic rescues by boats. It’s believed no Australians have been injured in the fires.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been in contact with the Australian Embassy in Athens, which has confirmed with local authorities that no Australians are known to be affected by forest fires. A DFAT spokeswoman said the Embassy would continue to monitor the situation closely.