Major Fires In Messinia & Laconia Burning Out Of Control - Threatens Ancient City of Messene (VIDEO)

A major wildfire that is currently raging on three fronts, in the southern Peloponnese has even threatened swallowing the ancient city of Messene,reminding residents of the d\sastrous fires that destroyed almost one third of the Peloponnese in the summer of 2007. The fire broke out in the area near Zerbisia, Messenia, (south-western Peloponnese), shortly after 13:00 on Monday. When the flames began to get out of control, officials quickly evacuated the residents of four villages as a precautionary measure because the fire was too close for comfort.

One of the fronts even posed a threat to Ancient Messene – an elaborate ancient city built in 269 B.C. by the Theban general Epameinondas. A second front, less dangerous, began to move westward and a third front suddenly sparked up at around 17:00 on Monday in the area of Asoutena, near Trifylia.

Firefighters were deployed to battle all three fronts. At the same time, municipal forces and even the army sent water trucks to the area as well as much-needed manpower to battle the blazes. At the same time many volunteers and local residents also rushed to assist all fire-fighting efforts.

In all, some 90 firefighters, along with 38 firetrucks, countless volunteers and army personnel are currently in the area. They are being aided by Canadair air crafts as well as several fire-fighting helicopters.

So far no injuries have been reported but firefighters have yet to bring the fires under their control. The extent of the damage so far includes vast acres of olive groves as well as some forested areas.