Battle Rages On As Death Toll Climbs

Sixty people have now died in the worst wildfires in Greece's memory as the flames continue to race across the country


The birthplace of the ancient Olympics has narrowly escaped being consumed by fire thanks to an intense fight by fire crews backed by aircraft.

New fires have been breaking out faster than others can be contained, with officials saying more than 40 blazes are still burning out of control.

Ash has been falling on Athens and walls of flames have swallowed villages, forests and farmland over three days, leaving behind a charred landscape dotted with gutted homes and the carcasses of burned animals.

"Fires are burning in more than half the country," said fire department spokesman Nikos Diamandis. "This is definitely an unprecedented disaster for Greece."

Desperate residents appealed through television stations for help from a firefighting service already stretched to the limit and many blamed authorities for leaving them defenceless.

A state of emergency was declared on Saturday and help has been pouring in from countries around the world.

Authorities have suggested arson caused many of the blazes, and several people have been arrested - the government has offered a reward of up to £700,000 for information.

Arson is often suspected in Greek wildfires, as people attempt to clear land for development. The country does not allow construction in forested areas but if the land is charred, it's status can be disputed in law.

Flames which at times leapt over 300ft into the air reached Ancient Olympia in southern Greece on Sunday, burning trees and shrubs just a few meters from the walls of the museum at the 2,800-year-old site.

Helicopters and aircraft covered the ruins with water and foam. The flames reached the edge of the ancient stadium, searing the grass and incinerating the trees on the hill above.
"Firefighters fought a battle in Ancient Olympia, which was won," said fire department spokesman Nikos Diamandis.

Pristine cypress and pine forests around the site were obliterated, but the ruins were saved.

"The important thing is that the museum is as it was and the archaeological site will not have any problem," Culture Minister George Voulgarakis said after flying to the site by helicopter.

But the nearby grounds of the International Olympic Academy were completely burned, as was the grove where the heart of Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games, is buried.