Greek villages encircled by flames appealed for help today as strong winds continued to fan forest fires that have killed 63 people in three days.
People sought refuge by river banks as flames engulfed homes, farms and forests, and firefighters battled scores of blazes across the country, which has declared a nationwide emergency.
"The fire is just outside our village. Absolutely nothing has been done. We are on our own," a resident of Frixa village in the hardest hit southern Peloponnese regions said. "A lot of people have gone down to the river. For God's sake, something must be done so no more people die."
The forest fires have burned down hundreds of villages and came close to destroying the ancient site of Olympia.
Thousands have been left homeless and 63 people have been killed, with more feared dead, trapped in villages cut off by flames.
The government has offered rewards of up to €1 million for help in tracking down arsonists it suggests have played a major role in the fires.
Many local mayors have accused rogue land developers of setting fires to make way for new construction on virgin forest and farmland. Police have arrested two elderly people and two boys on suspicion of starting fires.
Fire brigades aided by planes from EU countries, soldiers and local volunteers are trying to stop a large fire front from reaching the Peloponnese town of Krestena, with a population of 5,000.
Yesterday, firefighters managed to save the nearby temples and stadiums of ancient Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games, as flames reached the walls of the site's museum.
The fires covered Athens in white ash, and flags flew at half mast in a three-day mourning.
Greek opposition parties have attacked Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis's government for incompetence.