Large fire burning in western Peloponnese

Dozens of firefighters were late Monday trying to contain a large fire that broke out in a rural area of the western Peloponnese in southern Greece.

Local authorities said more than 40 firemen and 15 fire engines were dispatched to the area of Tsameika, where the flames had spread through farmland and forestland.

The firefighters on the ground were assisted by two water-dropping Canadair aircraft.

It was not known how the fire started.

The fire department said that powerful winds were hampering their efforts to keep the flames away from inhabited areas.