High winds and a long dry summer have contributed to the fire risks.
Arson is suspected in many of the fires in Greece, and some Greek government officials are suggesting that the fires have been deliberately set to cause problems for the government just before the early elections slated for September 16th. Arson devices have been found at the site of at least one fire, and witnesses reported that several fires seemed to break out simultaneously, suggesting timed ignition. Home-grown Greek "Anarchists" have been an increasing problem in Greece of late, with more frequent and vigorous attacks on banks and government properties.
The deadliest blazes have been in the remote southern portion of the Peloponnese peninsula in the Mani region. Some small villages have been completely cut off by smoke and flames and it is feared that the death toll will rise once those villages can be reached. But literally hundreds of other fires have been burning throughout Greece.
The ancient site of Olympia was threatened on Sunday, when trees around the site were singed. The monuments, including the Stadium and Temple of Apollo, survived.
A number of nations, including Israel and Russia, have sent firefighters and fire-fighting equipment to Greece to assist in this summer's fires. But with at least two more months of warm and windy weather ahead, it may not be over yet.
More on Wildfires in Greece and how to avoid them if you can.
