Greece battles against raging fires

Firefighters and soldiers battling fires raging for a second day in Greece are hindered by gale-force winds. Greek authorities have asked for help from Italy, France and Croatia, as more firefighting planes are needed.

A fire that broke out on Saturday in Keratea, 50kms southeast from Athens, has spread, threatening residential areas. Fire is also raging on the Greek island of Kythnos, Ekathimerini reported. Four people have been arrested for accidentally starting the Keratea fire through sparks generated by welding work at a construction site. Three firefighters were injured fighting the blaze which has extended to a 12km front. Ta Nea reported Minister of Citizen Protection, Lefteris Economou, said help has been requested from other European nations to fight the fires. Thus far Italy has said it will send two Canadair fire fighting planes to Greece on Sunday, whilst requests for assistance from France and Croatia are being considered. Fires are a common hazard during the heat of Greek summers, often proving difficult to fight due to a combination of scorching heat and high winds.