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Wildfires rage in southern Europe Wildfires rage in southern Europe
(about 1 hour later)
Thousands of firefighters are battling to bring under control summer wildfires that are spreading across parts of southern Europe.Thousands of firefighters are battling to bring under control summer wildfires that are spreading across parts of southern Europe.
At least seven people have died in the blazes that have struck Spain, France, Greece and the Italian island of Sardinia in the past few days. At least seven people have died in fires that have struck Spain, France, Greece and the Italian island of Sardinia in the past few days.
Prisoners in Sardinia were reportedly moved to a beach when their penitentiary was threatened by fire. Spain has been the hardest hit with at least seven major fires raging in the south and east.
Strong winds have fanned the flames during the hot dry weather.Strong winds have fanned the flames during the hot dry weather.
Spain has suffered the heaviest death toll, losing five firefighters in the last four days. A European Union monitoring agency has warned that the risk of fire along the Mediterranean coastline remains high with soaring temperatures predicted for the coming days.
Spain's interior ministry has put the country on maximum wildfire alert and is urging citizens to avoid starting fires in the current intense heat.
About 1,500 people - including many British expatriates and holidaymakers - were evacuated from the Mojacar region of south-east Spain as flames threatened the area.
"It's like a horror film round here," said Benjamin Jackson, a 23-year-old British expat. "As far as you can see basically everything has burned down."
Lives lost
Spain has suffered the heaviest death toll from the fires, losing five firefighters in the last four days.
Four were killed in Catalonia on Tuesday, and the driver of a firefighters' truck lost his life in Teruel province on Thursday.Four were killed in Catalonia on Tuesday, and the driver of a firefighters' truck lost his life in Teruel province on Thursday.
Parts of the Mojacar region in south-east Spain were being evacuated on Friday as fires continued to rage. Community halls were being used as makeshift shelters for residents at risk. class="" href="/2/hi/uk_news/8167053.stm">Expats describe 'volcano of fire'
A series of bush fires across Sardinia claimed two lives there, including that of a shepherd who was trying to rescue his flock. In Sardinia, a series of bush fires claimed two lives, including that of a shepherd who was trying to rescue his flock.
Helicopters and civil protection boats were used to rescue more than 120 people trapped on a beach at Capo Pecora in the south-west of the island.Helicopters and civil protection boats were used to rescue more than 120 people trapped on a beach at Capo Pecora in the south-west of the island.
The penitentiary complex of Is Arenas had to be evacuated, and the inmates temporarily transferred to the beach, Ansa news agency reports.The penitentiary complex of Is Arenas had to be evacuated, and the inmates temporarily transferred to the beach, Ansa news agency reports.
French inquiry
In Greece, firefighters continue to tackle blazes that have hit the southern Peloponnese region and the island of Evia.In Greece, firefighters continue to tackle blazes that have hit the southern Peloponnese region and the island of Evia.
Marseille officials and residents are angry at the military over the fire
Strong winds coupled with high temperatures had caused the fire to spread rapidly, fire officials in Evia said.Strong winds coupled with high temperatures had caused the fire to spread rapidly, fire officials in Evia said.
Five French firemen were injured battling flames from three fires on the island of Corsica, the AFP news agency reports.Five French firemen were injured battling flames from three fires on the island of Corsica, the AFP news agency reports.
The fires, which have destroyed some 4,000 hectares (10,000 acres) of forest and bush, are believed to have been started deliberately, the regional government said.The fires, which have destroyed some 4,000 hectares (10,000 acres) of forest and bush, are believed to have been started deliberately, the regional government said.
Meanwhile, an inquiry is under way in France after a military exercise sparked a major wildfire on the outskirts of Marseille.Meanwhile, an inquiry is under way in France after a military exercise sparked a major wildfire on the outskirts of Marseille.
The fire, which threatened homes and destroyed 1,300 hectares (3,211 acres) of brush, provoked an angry reaction from both officials and residents.The fire, which threatened homes and destroyed 1,300 hectares (3,211 acres) of brush, provoked an angry reaction from both officials and residents.
Prime Minister Francois Fillon called it a "professional mistake" and local prefect Michel Sappin accused the military of "imbecilic" actions.Prime Minister Francois Fillon called it a "professional mistake" and local prefect Michel Sappin accused the military of "imbecilic" actions.
The officer in charge when soldiers fired tracer bullets during a training exercise has been suspended.The officer in charge when soldiers fired tracer bullets during a training exercise has been suspended.
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