Mediterranean Fires' Extent So Far In 2009 66% Bigger Than For All Of 2008 - AFP

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Fires have destroyed more than 300,000 hectares (750,000 acres) of forests in Mediterranean countries so far this year, an increase of 66 percent compared to all of 2008, monitors said on Friday.

Spain has borne the brunt, with more than 80,000 ha. (200,000 acres) lost, followed by Italy (51,000 ha., 127,500 acres) and Greece (42,000 ha., 105,000 acres), the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) said.

"Though the total burned area is still... below the long-term average for Europe, a few major fires occurred near large cities (e.g. Marseille, Athens, Genoa), causing important damages and significant impact," it said in a newsletter.

It blamed the losses on "severe fire danger conditions," including prolonged summer dryness and winds.

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