Raging forest fires near archaeological site at birthplace of the modern Olympics

RAGING forest fires are nearing the archaeological site at the birthplace of the modern Olympics.

One major blaze was burning close to Olympia where the Games were held for more than a millennium.

AFP

Forest fires are threatening the archaeological site at the birthplace of the modern Olympics[/caption]

AP

Water-dropping planes and helicopters were tackling the fire[/caption]

Firefighters in the drought-hit region in southern Greece used water-dropping helicopters to control blazes.

More than 100 wildfires broke out over 24 hours from late Tuesday to late Wednesday, authorities said.

In a briefing, Civil Protection chief Nikos Hardalias warned that even worse days could lie ahead for the hard-pressed fire service.

He said: “We are making a titanic effort on many fronts.

“According to our threat forecasts, tomorrow too is expected to be a difficult day.

“The toughest part lies ahead of us, the next days and weeks will be even harder.

“Our key target is to protect human lives.’’

Temperatures in Greece reached 45C on Wednesday, in what authorities described as the worst heat wave since 1987.

AP

The fires are forcing the evacuation of dozens of villages[/caption]