Strong winds fan Crete forest fire

Firemen on the island of Crete battled a blaze near the ruins of the prehistoric palace of Knossos, close to the port city of Iraklio, on Monday.

It took a total of 24 firefighters and 11 fire engines to bring the fire, which was fanned by strong winds, under partial control. The fire service said the flames did not threaten residential areas or the archaeological site.

Also on Monday, a fire broke out on forestland in the area of Akres, near Megara, west of Athens. A total of 70 firefighters and 25 fire engines were dispatched to douse the fire while six water-dropping planes and three helicopters aided the rescue effort from the air.

Firefighters managed to keep the blaze away from nearby residential areas.