Greek fires reach ancient Olympics site

[rodeodance]

Greek fires reach ancient Olympics site

By PETROS GIANNAKOURIS, Associated Press Writer 56 minutes ago

ANCIENT OLYMPIA, Greece - Massive fires consuming large areas of southern Greece for a third day raced toward the site of the ancient Olympics on Sunday, engulfing villages and forests as the flames reached one of the most revered sites of antiquity.
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At least 57 people have been killed in the country's worst wildfires in decades, including five who died Sunday in a new blaze on the island of Evia and a woman whose body was found in a village near Ancient Olympia. There were fears the death toll could rise as new fires broke out and strong winds pushed flames through villages and hamlets.

"It's hell everywhere," said Costas Ladas, who said the fire covered more than a mile in three minutes. "I've never seen anything like it."

By sea and by land, authorities evacuated hundreds of people trapped by flames in villages, hotels and resorts.

A large front of fire was just at the edge of the village of Ancient Olympia, which stands near the 2,800-year-old site itself. Police blocked roads, and firefighting planes flew overhead.


A large front of fire was just at the edge of the village of Ancient Olympia, which stands near the 2,800-year-old site itself. Police blocked roads, and firefighting planes flew overhead.

[rodeodance]

1. "The winds are so strong that I don't know whether the site's sprinkling system will stop it,"

"The winds are so strong that I don't know whether the site's sprinkling system will stop it," said Costas Sofianos, deputy mayor of Ancient Olympia. Although the sprinkler system was activated, not all of it appeared to be functioning.

The fire department said some trees at the sprawling site had burned, but that the museum was safe. The ancient stadium and other monuments were so far unaffected.

In the early morning, church bells rang out in nearby Kolyri as residents gathered their belongings and fled through the night. Villagers returned to find at least seven gutted houses.

Fotis Hadzopoulos, a resident, said the evacuation was chaotic. "Children were crying, and their mothers were trying to comfort them, " he said.

[uppityperson]

2. It is really wild there, lots of fires, arson, etc.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6964345.stm

[malaise]

3. I've been watching on BBC

Frightening. I can't imagine the terror those people are facing at this time. What's more the older folks are refusing to leave their homes.

[AnnieBW]

4. Zeus, send down your rain

On your ancient temple! Just hold the lightning bolts, okay?