Greek forest fire death toll rises to 44

ATHENS, Aug 25 (Reuters) The worst forest fires to hit Greece in decades have killed 44 people and more are feared dead in villages cut off by the flames, authorities said today.

''The number of dead has risen to 44 and they all come from the Peloponnese region,'' said a fire department press office official, who declined to be named.

Fires have swept through the southern Peloponnese peninsula since yesterday and have spread to other regions of the country, including a blaze near Athens that cut off the motorway to the capital's airport for several hours.

Reuters RAR GC1957