GREECE: One person died as fire consume villages in Greece

Fire officials say the region of Aigio on the Peloponnese peninsula is one of the worst areas affected as more than 100 fires burn across Greece. A fire raging out of control in the region of Aigio in southern Greece consumed houses in villages on Wednesday (July 25) and forced the evacuation of villagers. One man was killed in the blaze. A state of emergency was called when blazes swept into villages as residents fled the region in cars and trucks, dragging their livestock in tow. Others stood at a safe distance and watched their houses burn. "We have been calling for help since noon, not one fire truck appeared. Not a single truck. They came after the houses were burning. Everything has burned, everything," said one villager. "Only one fire engine arrived. What can one fire engine do in a situation like this? But there are more than 100 fires in all of Greece, so what can they do first really?" added another. At least five villages, a campground and a monastery were evacuated after the fire consumed dozens of houses and a school. Some 50 residents of one village were trapped and had to be evacuated by air by nine military helicopters sent in by the Greek airforce. The semi-official Athens News Agency said one elderly man had died after being caught in the flames. About nine people suffered burns and were taken to hospital. The front of the fire stretched for several kilometres, local officials said, and black smoke covered the entire skyline. Firefighters said battling the fire was even difficult for firefighting planes, due to the thick black smoke and deep valleys in the region. Fears escalated as night approached, as fire planes could not fly after dark. Greece has been battling several hundred fires in the last week, fuelled by strong winds. Authorities believe many were caused by arson.

ITN Source | July 26, 2007

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