Greek Island Fire Rages Unchecked, Tourists Flee
Date: 13-Jul-07
Country: GREECE
More than 40 firemen, seven vehicles, seven aircraft and three helicopters were involved in battling the blaze, which was fanned by strong winds.
"There are no reports so far of burnt buildings. The fire is threatening houses and small tourist hotels at the villages of Aghia Paraskevi and Troulos," a fire department official said.
As the flames neared populated areas, hoteliers protectively evacuated tourists, he added.
"Firemen are making every effort to put it out but things are very difficult because of the strong winds which do not allow boats to reach the island and transfer more personnel," the official said.
Greece has been ravaged by forest fires this summer after a dry winter. On Wednesday, three firemen were killed and one seriously injured when trapped in a forest fire on the tourist island of Crete.
A forest fire that destroyed more than half of a national park near Athens last month.