The charred bodies of the men, aged 36 and 42, were found early Thursday in the region of Agia Larissas, where they had become trapped by the blaze late afternoon on Wednesday.

Two other men with them escaped. The four had joined efforts to put out the blaze.

Fires were reported from 120 sites across the country since Wednesday morning, although most were extinguished, the fire service said.

Forest fires forced authorities in the central department of Magnisia to declare a state of emergency.

Authorities also warned of fierce winds in the regions of Attiki in the south, in Chalkidiki in the north and in Aegean islands.

Greece has appealed for help to the European Union, and France and Italy have said they will send fire-fighting planes.

The country has been suffering under blistering heat for more than a week, which has left six people dead since Saturday. The temperature in Athens Thursday dropped to 38-39 degrees C from 43 C (110 F) on Wednesday.