This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/europe/8169232.stm

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Mediterranean fires still burning Mediterranean fires still burning
(1 day later)
Firefighters in several parts of the Mediterranean are still fighting wildfires which began days ago and have left eight dead. Firefighters who have been battling wildfires across southern Europe for several days say they are gaining the upper hand.
Thousands of acres of woodland in Spain, France, Greece and Sardinia were destroyed by fires fuelled by high temperatures and strong winds. Thousands of acres of woodland in Spain, France, Greece and Sardinia have been destroyed by fires fuelled by high temperatures and strong winds.
In Spain, where six firefighters died, seven fires are burning, but blazes in Aragon and Catalonia were doused. In Spain, where six firefighters died, four fires are burning, but blazes in Aragon and Catalonia were extinguished.
In Greece, officials were still on alert as temperatures rose over 40C. A state of alert remains, with high temperatures and strong winds forecast.
More than 50 wildfires broke out on Sunday, including one that trapped 70 beach-goers on the western island of Zakynthos who were evacuated by boats. More than 50 blazes broke out on Sunday in Greece, where temperatures rose over 40C, including one that trapped 70 beach-goers on the island of Zakynthos who had to be evacuated by boats.
Winds are expected to pick up on Monday, with the authorities warning of a high probability of more fires.
Arson suspicionsArson suspicions
More than 15 people suspected of starting blazes are reported to have been arrested in Spain. In the north-eastern Spanish region of Aragon, where more than 11,700 hectares (28,900 acres) has been burnt, firefighters said three fires had been brought under control and that they were close to doing so with three other active blazes.
In southern Italy, firefighters are working to contain blazes that caused the evacuation of hundreds of people. Thousands of hectares have been destroyed by the fires in Spain
Four fires on the island of Sardinia were extinguished by Sunday night, but others continue to rage in the hot and windy conditions. However, a fire which appeared to have been brought under control near the town of Las Hurdes in Extremadura flared up overnight due to strong winds, forcing 500 people to be evacuated and 400 firefighters to be deployed.
On the French island of Corsica, another major fire is still burning. The authorities believe some of the fires were deliberately lit. Three people have been arrested on suspicion of arson. French firefighters are also continuing to battle a major wildfire near Aullene on the Mediterranean island of Corsica, which has so far destroyed 3,500 hectares (8,650 acres) of land.
Temperatures in southern Europe are expected to remain very high and firefighters are watching for new outbreaks. On Sunday evening, a blaze which broke out near Marseille last week was said to have been completely extinguished.
Officials believe some of the fires in Corsica were deliberately lit and three people have been arrested on suspicion of arson. The fire near Marseille was accidentally started when tracer bullets were used during an army firing exercise.
More than 15 people suspected of starting wildfires are reported to have been arrested in Spain.
Meanwhile in Italy, the blazes which left two people dead last week have been brought under control, with the exception of one in a nature reserve on Sicily, officials say.
As many as 25,000 hectares (60,000 acres) were devastated on Sardinia by four fires, fanned by high temperatures and strong winds.
Are you in the area? Have you been affected by the fires? Send us your comments using the form below.Are you in the area? Have you been affected by the fires? Send us your comments using the form below.
You can also send us your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to +44 7725 100 100. If you have a large file you can upload here.You can also send us your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to +44 7725 100 100. If you have a large file you can upload here.
Read the terms and conditions Read the terms and conditions
At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.
The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & ConditionsThe BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & Conditions