Fires rage in Greece as strong winds continue

August 27, 2007

Athens, Greece - Dozens of wildfires continued to burn across parts of Greece on Monday as strong winds are fanning the flames.

The national fire department reported early Monday that 89 new fires broke out in a 24-hour period, but it was not clear how many had been brought under control.

As of Sunday night, over 100 wildfires were still burning.

Fire officials said at least 51 people have died in the fires, which have razed dozens of villages. Local media reported the toll rose to over 60 on Monday.

European Union countries have sent aircraft and other equipment to battle the blazes that are affecting nearly half the country.

Arson suspected

Greek police have arrested 32 arson suspects, as investigations continue into the origins of the blazes.

Prosecutor Dimitris Papangelopoulos, who is responsible for prosecuting terrorism and organized crime, ordered an investigation to determine "whether the crimes of arsonists and of arson attacks on forests" could come under Greece's anti-terrorism law, the ministry said in a statement.

Greece has been ravaged by hundreds of massive wildfires since Friday that have left at least 61 people dead. The country also suffered fires in June and July, although they were not nearly on the same scale.