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Greek island fire forces evacuation of hotel

Associated Press

Posted on October 13, 2009 at 9:31 AM

Updated Tuesday, Oct 13 at 9:31 AM

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Authorities say hundreds of tourists have been safely evacuated from a hotel on the Greek island of Evia because of a large forest fire.

The coast guard says 500 to 600 residents of the Club Med hotel near Aidipsos, in northern Evia, have been taken to a nearby beach as a precaution, and several ferry boats are removing them to a safer location.

A guard spokesman said Tuesday's operation was ordered after the blaze in a nearby pine forest cut off road access to the hotel.

He said no injuries have been reported.

It was not known where the tourists are from, or what caused the fire.

More than 70 firefighters, assisted by 23 fire trucks and 7 water-dropping aircraft, are trying to put out the fire, which is fanned by very strong winds.

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