Advertisement

Wildfire Burns Near Site of Ancient Olympic Games in Greece

Evacuation orders were in place on August 5 for a number of neighborhoods as a fire burned near Olympia, the site of the ancient Olympic games, and the point of departure for the Olympic flame on its journey to the host city of each modern Olympics.

Greek Civil Protection Minister Michalis Chrisochoidis said crews were able to protect the ancient site overnight.

The Athens daily Avgi said on August 5 that the situation “remained difficult”, as fire crews continued to keep the flames “away from the archeological site, the museum and the facilities of the International Olympic Academy.”

The Greek fire service said 174 firefighters were involved in fighting the blaze, which was one of more than 150 to have hit the country amid persistent high temperatures. Credit: Μαρια Νκλ via Storyful