TWO people have died after a large wildfire tore through forest in Greece, authorities said.

The fire service said about 350 firefighters, assisted by 18 water-dropping aircraft, managed to largely bring the blaze near seaside resort Xylokastro under control today.

Scattered fires burned in the area, in the Peloponnese region, but the initial large front had been put out, officials said.

Half a dozen villages were ordered to evacuate overnight as a precaution after the blaze broke out on Sunday.

There was no threat to Xylokastro. 

The flames were fanned by very strong winds blowing through forests left tinder-dry by a warm spring and hot summer.

Authorities said the two men, who died in the early hours today, were believed to be local residents who were declared missing late on Sunday.

No-one else was reported missing, and there were no immediate reports of burnt homes in the affected area.