GREECE: Forest fires threaten homes in Greece

Officials called a state of emergency in southern Greece near the city of Corinth on Thursday (July 19) as a wildfire swept through the region burning homes in its path. At least three villages around the city of Corinth were evacuated. The 140 strong fire brigade is being aided by at least seven firefighting planes. Locals are also fighting the fire with lawn hoses and branches. The fire originally began on Tuesday in a forest several kilometres away from the populated areas, but was carried by high winds to the populated region. Two monasteries and a children's summer camp have been evacuated in the region since Wednesday. No injuries have yet been reported. Wildfires have swept across the country and fire brigade officials said on Wednesday alone 115 fires had erupted. More than 1,450 fires erupted in July, more than double the amount from the same period last year. Last month fires were sparked by an early heatwave where temperatures reached 46 degrees, but police and fire officials believe some of the latest fires were caused by arson or human carelessness.

ITN Source | July 20, 2007

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