Athens forest fire 'under partial control'

Firefighters have brought a huge forest fire on the northern outskirts of Athens under partial control.

The blaze burned homes, cars and animals and forced the evacuation of medical clinics and a summer camp.

More than 300 firemen, assisted by fire trucks, water-dropping aircraft and volunteers, had extinguished all the major fronts and remained on alert in case winds rekindled the blaze, a fire brigade spokeswoman said.

The fire broke out yesterday morning on Mount Penteli at four different spots - up to a mile apart – and quickly swept through tinder-dry pine forest, burning at least 25 homes in the capital’s affluent northern suburbs.

Gale force winds fanned the flames, hampering firefighters and preventing water-dropping aircraft from reaching the scene for nearly two hours.

Officials have yet to establish the cause of the blaze, but state NET television said fire brigade experts were investigating residents’ reports of arson.