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Saturday, 25 August 2007, 14:11 GMT 15:11 UK

In pictures: Greek forest fires

A forest fire burns near Zaharo, in western Greece

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At dawn near Zaharo, in western Greece, forest fires continued to burn ferociously after a prolonged heatwave and drought. The daylight would bring horror to the town.

People survey burned out cars near Zaharo, in western Greece

People survey burned out cars near Zaharo, in western Greece

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Dozens of people were caught up in the advancing flames, in their homes, or as they tried to flee in cars or on foot.

A man surveys burned out cars near Artemida, in western Greece

A man surveys burned out cars near Artemida, in western Greece

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Some people got out in time, leaving vehicles behind. Others were stranded because they had no means of escape.

A man surveys his burned out home near Artemida, in western Greece

A man surveys his burned out home near Artemida, in western Greece

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Some residents later returned to inspect what was left of their homes.

A helicopter drops water on a fire on Mount Taygete in the Peloponnese in southern Greece

A helicopter drops water on a fire on Mount Taygete in the Peloponnese in southern Greece

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Fire services were stretched to the limit. Helicopters tried to douse the flames in the Peloponnese region, but high winds hampered the use of planes.

A plane drops water over burning parts of Athens

A plane drops water over burning parts of Athens

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In Athens, too, major fires encroached on the city, and aircraft were called in to help dampen the flames.

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