Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Europe beats back wildfires, fears revival
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Search
Search:
Europe beats back wildfires, fears revival
AFP - Tuesday, July 28
MADRID (AFP) - - Firefighters gained the upper hand against deadly wildfires across southern Europe but warned on Monday that the flames could flare up again with sizzling temperatures and strong winds forecast.
ADVERTISEMENT
In France, Italy and Spain -- the worst affected countries -- most of the blazes were extinguished or under control although firefighters remained on alert.
Spain's Interior Minister Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba said 90 percent of the country was on "maximum alert" for wildfires because of tinder-dry conditions.
"We are facing a bad day because of the heat and wind," he told reporters.
The national weather office issued an "orange" alert, its second-highest level, for eight Spanish provinces due to scorching temperatures of up to 41 degrees Celsius (106 degrees Fahrenheit).
The continued threat posed by weather conditions was underscored near the Spanish town of Las Hurdes where a blaze thought to be under control flared up overnight due to strong winds, forcing the evacuation of over 500 people.
More than 400 firefighters backed by 13 helicopters and four planes were battling the blaze, which has so far ravaged some 500 hectares (1,200 acres) of pine forest and brush and which local officials believe was deliberately set.
"It is not possible that new flare-ups of the fire arise at the same time at three different places, nobody can understand it," said the regional government chief of Extremadura, Guillermo Fernandez Vara.
In Greece firefighters took control of a blaze on the island of Zakynthos (Zante) that led coast guards to evacuate about 50 people from a beach late Sunday, although the region remained at risk from strong winds.
French firefighters battled a blaze which has destroyed 3,500 hectares (8,650 acres) of forest and bush since Thursday near Aullene on the Mediterranean island of Corsica.
They poured tonnes of water from aircraft and scoured vegetation from the earth to halt the advance of the flames.
"The fire has been stabilised," but strong winds were forecast for Tuesday, fire service commander Bruno Maestracci told AFP.
"When the fire advances at high speed as it did up to Saturday, not all the vegetation gets destroyed, and that can lead to a revival" of the flames, he warned.
Two Corsican farmers, aged 21 and 24, were sentenced Monday to prison terms after admitting to setting five fires in three villages in the Rapale area.
In Italy fires that claimed two lives last week on the island of Sardinia were largely under control Monday, while a blaze in a nature reserve in Sicily was still active, the civil protection service said.
Between 15,000 and 25,000 hectares (37,000 and 61,800 acres) of land have been devastated by the flames and, on Sardinia, initial estimates put property damage at around 80 million euros (114 million dollars).
In Spain wildfires have over the past week devastated over 20,000 hectares (49,400 acres) of land, killed six firefighters and gutted dozens of homes.
In the northeastern region of Aragon, the worst affected with more than 11,700 hectares (29,000 acres) lost to flames over the past week, three fires were under control and firefighters were on the verge of getting the upper hand on three other active blazes, a regional government spokesman said.
Spain has already lost more land to wildfires so far this year than during all of 2008 when around 40,000 hectares (98,800 acres) burned, according to environment ministry figures.
Meanwhile across the Mediterranean in Algeria, firefighters have tamed wildfires which have ravaged thousands of hectares (acres) of wheat and barley and thousands of fruit trees since Wednesday, officials said.
The fires had been fueled by temperatures which soared to 47 degrees Celsius (116 Fahrenheit) in some parts of the north African country but which have since eased slightly.
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Sign in to recommend this article »
0 users recommend
Related Articles: World
First swine flu death in Saudi ArabiaAP - Monday, July 27
Missing Minn. Somalis: Aspiring fighters or dupes?AP - Monday, July 27
France's high-octane Sarkozy gets a wakeup callAP - Tuesday, July 28
Report: Israeli settler population crosses 300,000AP - Monday, July 27
Human Rights Watch blasts Iran lawyer arrestsAP - Monday, July 27
Enlarge Photo
Firemen in an inaccessible zone spray and turn over the burnt undergrowth near the col de Vaccia to stop fire breaking out again near Aullene. Firefighters gained the upper hand against deadly wildfires across southern Europe but warned on Monday that the flames could flare up again with sizzling temperatures and strong winds forecast.
Most Popular – World
Viewed
Ex-boxing champ Forrest shot in back and killed
Rich countries corner supplies of swine flu vaccine
Lost love letter reunites couple after 16 years
Massive quake moves NZealand closer to Australia
Harry Patch, last veteran of World War I trenches, dies at 111
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Tuesday, 28 July 2009 CORRECTED
Teamwork vital to fighting cyber crime: Microsoft
Mitchell tells Palestinians no deal yet with Israel
| International
|
Obama calls for US, China to shape future
US-TECH Summary
Ryanair returns to profit in first quarter
Music streaming service Spotify eyes Apple's iPhone
Revolutionary choreographer Cunningham dies
SKorean firms to jointly develop new chips
U.N. backs alternative Iraq war reparation schemes
| International
|
H1N1 flu spreads to remote corners of the world: WHO
| International
|
Arab human rights group barred for year by U.N.
| International
|
De facto leader says there was no coup in Honduras
| International
|
Seven Palestinians die in Gaza tunnel accident
| International
|
Indonesian presidential vote contested in court
Pandas face uncertain future after China quake
Nortel and RIM held wireless patent talks: source
| Technology
|
Indian court finds 3 guilty in 2003 Mumbai bombing
EBay to highlight top sellers to galvanize retail
| Technology
|
Gates warns of tough sanctions if Iran rebuffs US overture
Japan's opposition launches election manifesto
Report: 22 die in flooding in southwestern China
Records preservation sought in Pa. judge scandal
Putin's hard man image targeted by spoof Web song
| Technology
|
State media says 22 killed in flooding in China
US presses for concessions in Mideast peace drive
Erotic Madonna tapes, Hendrix contract in NY sale
| Technology
|
Suspect in deputies' deaths allegedly choked mom
Hong Kong fans in flash mob tribute to Jackson
Maine EMT struck by monster truck, saved by mud
Malaysia confirms 2nd swine flu-related death
Israeli officials: No option off table on Iran
Bus blast kills 6 paramilitary soldiers in India
Canon to streamline design, product data systems: report
| Technology
|
Missing toddler, baby found crying in OH trash can
Blasts hit Tajikistan ahead of high-profile summit
Tech distributors look forward to late 2009 bounce
| Technology
|
3 in Wyoming family found dead
Jury in favor of hospital that deported immigrant
Obama calls for US, China to shape future
India's Tata Motors Q1 profit leaps
'Girls Gone Wild' lawyer: NV bribe claim bogus
China, US officials see global economic recovery
Dragon Quest IX game sells 3m units in Japan
India's Tata Motors says profits up 57.5 percent
Japan to order Qualcomm to stop unfair practices
Indonesian twins born in single body with 2 heads
Erotic Madonna tapes, Hendrix contract in NY sale
| Entertainment
|
Hundreds of Vietnam Catholics march after arrests: priest
Choreographer Merce Cunningham dies at 90
| Entertainment
|
IAC in new venture with NBC's Ben Silverman
Katharina Wagner's 'Meistersinger' booed in Bayreuth
Fans get first look at star-studded Iron Man 2
| Entertainment
|
Fans get first peek at `Iron Man 2' at Comic-Con
Shakespeare's Globe to tour United States
TV panels at Comic-Con kept fans intrigued
CORRECTED: Tim Burton explores Alice in Wonderland
| Entertainment
|
Israeli FM calls for UN sanctions on Iran
Europe beats back wildfires, fears revival
US-TECH Summary
Britain ends Afghanistan offensive
Doctor gave Jackson drug that killed him: CNN
Lawyer gets last chance to argue Suu Kyi innocence
| International
|
Most want troops out of Afghanistan: UK survey
Time Warner informs SEC of plan to spin off AOL
Court rules guardian to study 'Octomom' kids cash
Court finds Iran minister guilty of fraud
Taser unveils multi-shot stun gun
Reform party makes gains among Iraq Kurds
Rare Angolan antelope tracked by research team
Aussie film festival website defaced amid Uighur row
Another upbeat sign: new US home sales up 11 pct
Agilent buying Varian for 1.5 bln dlrs
Haiti, Dominican Republic add troops on border
| International
|
Apple working on digital albums. tablet PC: sources
Tech distributors look to late 2009 bounce
Canon to streamline design, product data systems: report
U.S. charges seven with plotting attacks overseas
| International
|
Honduran Congress puts off vote on Zelaya return
| International
|
Putin's hard man image targeted by spoof Web song
eBay to reward top-rated sellers
Apple working on digital albums, tablet PC: sources
| Technology
|
Aussie film festival website defaced amid Uighur row
| Technology
|
Canada to take seal ban fight to WTO
AP source: Jackson doc gave him drug before death
State declares Obama birth certificate real, again
Mistrial declared in trial of child psychologist
Verizon Wireless seeks U.S. court judgment on ads
| Technology
|
Calif. mother to stand trial in toddler's death
Prosecutor: Dad killed girl to avoid child support
2 Minn. neighbors found dead in murder-suicide
Canon profit tumbles, nudges forecast higher
| Technology
|
Prosecutors: Wiretaps show mobster still dangerous
AirAsia X denied rights to Sydney, Seoul: report
Geithner, Wang say ties key to global recovery
Korea Hot Stocks-Doosan Infracore, shipping firms, Korea Zinc
S.Korea Aug corp sentiment hits over 1 yr high
S.Korea treasury bonds steady in cautious trade
Compal seen winning PC order from Acer -paper
Seoul shares open lower, take breather after gains
SAG votes to oppose Hollywood hospital closure
Top US officials seek to reassure Chinese
NZ stocks push through 3000 level to 9-month high
EU hits China with anti-dumping duties on steel wire rods
Apple working on digital albums, tablet PC: sources
| Entertainment
|
Rodents move center stage as cool new superheroes
| Entertainment
|
Choreographer Merce Cunningham dies at 90
| Entertainment
|
Mariah Carey, Diddy, Lil Wayne albums delayed
| Entertainment
|
Fifth, Last Spacewalk Ends With One Task Missed
Paper Company, California Cities Top "Green Power" List
Gillibrand Convinces Senate Panel To Hold Hearing On "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
Avril Lavigne ready to mellow out and sing
| Entertainment
|
Lifestyle change the way to beat US obesity: experts
Corzine Chooses Running Mate In Wake Of NJ Corruption Sweep
Publicist: Mischa Barton 'out of the hospital'
Cricket on the front foot, on the frontline
Shas Denies Links to New Jersey Money Laundering And Public Corruption Scandal
SAG votes to oppose Hollywood hospital closure
Minnesota Gov. Pawlenty Elected To Republican Governors Association Post
LA Police Arrest Man In Murder Of Teen
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Update: Obama Calls For Beijing To Open Markets, Support Climate Change Efforts
Avril Lavigne ready to "mellow out and sing"
Obama Welcomes Detroit Shock To White House
Plus-size dating show offers "More" emotion
Gates: U.S. Offer Of Talks To Iran Only Until September
Mariah Carey, Diddy, Lil Wayne albums delayed
AP NewsAlert
`G-Force' tops box office with fur-raising $31.7M
Insurgent bomb 'kills eight Afghan guards'
Deutsche Bank profits soar in firmer global climate
Gates in Iraq, says U.S. urban withdrawal going well
| International
|
Close Iran jail holding protesters: Khamenei orders
China's military cautiously tries out new openness
| International
|
"Ugly Betty" Actor Tony Plana Sued By Former Manager
Chris Tucker Owes California $3 Million In Taxes
U.S. envoy sees progress with Israel on peace push
| International
|
Kelsey Grammer's Plea Helps Keep Sister's Killer In Jail
Thousands shelter in barracks after Nigeria unrest
| International
|
Driver Charged In "American Idol" Wannabe's Hit-And-Run Death
Hezbollah sees progress on Lebanon government
| International
|
Iran's Khamenei orders closure of detention center
| International
|
Dance Choreographer Merce Cunningham Dies At Age 90
Over 120 rescued from Haitian migrant boat wreck
| International
|
Migrants to Italy face a kind of slavery: OIM
| International
|
Honduran Congress puts off vote on Zelaya return
| International
|
Pakistan rescues boys trained as suicide bombers
| International
|
Niche social sites seek growth under Facebook's shadow
| Technology
|
Sprint to buy Virgin Mobile USA
| Technology
|
Apple working on digital albums, tablet PC: sources
| Technology
|
Exiled Uighur leader visits Japan, angering Beijing
Britain publishes Twitter guide for ministers
| Technology
|
Indonesian identifies husband as terror suspect
American father, sons accused of plotting jihad
AP sources: Only 1 in 7 agencies to get police aid
Suu Kyi verdict set for Friday in Myanmar
Testimony: Sens. Conrad, Dodd told of VIP loans
Japan's politics often a family business
Australia vows crackdown on Indian student rip-offs
China bans online games which glamorize gangs
| Technology
|
Senate panel to approve Obama Supreme Court pick
US pulls plug on its Havana news ticker
Lesbians in China petition to donate blood
Study: Texts while driving even more dangerous
Toxic chemical found in killer Bangladeshi drug
Man pleads not guilty in stolen violin case
China could rival England on pitch, says Scudamore
Suu Kyi trial enters final day
NZ judge rejects drink driver's swine flu defense
Seoul shares end firm, helped by banks, airlines
China probes plant manager's death: govt
Japan's Hitachi posts first-quarter loss
China bans 'mafia-style' online games: state media
S.Korea large firms' sentiment at 19-mth high -FKI
Erotic Madonna tapes, Hendrix contract in NY sale
| Entertainment
|
Rodents move center stage as cool new superheroes
| Entertainment
|
AP source: Michael Jackson's inner sanctum chaotic
Apple working on digital albums, tablet PC: sources
| Entertainment
|
France's Gamma photo agency on brink of collapse
| Entertainment
|
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights