Greek forest fire nears ancient Olympia

Athens, Aug 26: Greek forest fires that have killed 47 people in the past three days are approaching the archaeological site of ancient Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic games, the fire department said today.

''The fires have approached the villages near ancient Olympia,'' said fire department spokesman Nikos Diamandis. ''We have launched evacuation operations.'' The Greek government has declared a nationwide state of emergency after the fires spread throughout the southern Peloponnese peninsula and other regions.

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