Greece Seeks EU Help as Wildfires Rage

In total 146 fires have broken out across Greece since Sunday, and while most have been brought under control, authorities are anxious about three on the coast near Athens, in the western Peloponnese and on the island of Zakynthos.

As a result, fire service spokeswoman Stavroula Malliri said Greece had cancelled a request for European assistance.

ATHENS | firefighters greeks had stopped Wednesday morning, the progression of three fires, devastating forests, maquis and expanded agricultural since Sunday, but remained anxious and ready to receive reinforcements europeans requested the day before, stated their press service.

Justice Minister of Cyprus Ionas Nikolaou on Tuesday spoke on the phone with Greek Civil Protection Minister Nikos Toskas to organise the transfer of the firefighting force from Cyprus to Greece, according to Athens News agency. "Through the extent and intensity of fires the country has filed a request for the provision of air assets", said she.

French authorities said a blaze in the southern town of Luceram, near Nice, had finally been brought under control Tuesday after burning for 48 hours.

More than 20 houses have already been damaged as the fires, which began on Sunday, burned through pine forests north of the city.

The fires started at the weekend near the town of Kalamos, situated about 45 km North-East of the capital.

Authorities have ordered the evacuation of vulnerable people, children and the elderly.

The blazes also sparked controversy between the opposition and the cash-strapped government, which was accused of negligence, with local officials decrying a lack of air support.

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, who had visited the disaster area, said Greece had "avoided the worst ... and we have to be alert". "The time for review will come later".

Portugal has been especially hard hit by wildfires this year because of a drought.

In the Peloponnese region of Ilia, blazes that broke out in three areas Monday and looked tamed early Tuesday flared up again, fanned by winds.