Homes, camps evacuated as forest fires rage in Greece - Summary

Posted : Sat, 17 Jul 2010 18:18:56 GMT

By : dpa

Category : Nature (Environment)

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Nature Environment News | Home Athens - Firefighters battled to contain three major forest fires which were being fanned by strong winds near the Greek capital on Saturday, forcing officials to evacuate camps, monasteries and homes. The fires, the first to hit Greece this summer, raged to the north and south-east of Athens late Saturday afternoon, sending clouds of thick, black smoke over the city. Authorities said they were forced to evacuate several children's camps, a monastery and holiday homes as a precaution, but said no homes were at immediate risk and no injuries were reported from the fires. Many residents could be seen armed with buckets and waterhoses in an attempt to douse flames near their properties. More than 90 firefighters, eight planes, three helicopters and 27 trucks battled to put out the flames before dusk. Greece is often hit by forest fires during the hot, dry summer months, leading to the destruction of thousands of acres of forest and entire villages in recent years. http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/news/335321,rage-greece-summary.html