It is easy to blame others for one's shortcomings and failures. Thus the present ineffective government of Greece seeks to direct the peoples' anger away from itself and towards a "fifth column" of traitors, terrorists, enemy agents, PASOK supporters, even UFO's and aliens..... Anything that will detract from the facts that no preventive maintenance was carried out and the entire fire fighting effort was a shambles. It is noteworthy that this government replaced experienced firefighting personnel with it's own political cronies once it came into power nearly 4 years ago and did the same with all the security forces. It was also well known that the extremely dry winter would lead to an extremely dangerous situation this summer. Arsonists exist in every society and it seems even more so in a country with no National Land registry....The question is what did the government do about this during the last 4 years? The answer is "Nothing".

Costas Karakonstandis, Athens, Greece

I was very saddened to read about the horrific death and destruction in Greece. I offer my prayers and condolences to the beautiful Greek people.

May God sustain you through this terrible time.

anne bright, New York, USA

This is a sobering reminder to all those who have nothing but admiration for the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.

Esa Leskinen, Hämeenlinna, Finland

Fires during the summer months in countries along the mediterranean are common. 100+ fires per day is not an uncommon number. For the record, in Greece during the summer months of 2000 there were 21 days (that's 1 in 3 days) with 100+ fires per day. I think that the stats are similar for the years 98 & 99. I realize that it's in to talk about terrorism, but we must have solid proof to accept this kind of a hypothesis. Especially when a high number of fires, i.e. 100+, is not an uncommon event. I expect from a country's PM to have solid proof at hand prior to promoting a conspiracy theory. The Greek CIA had over the past few years, with the help of their British & US counterparts, significant successes in their struggle against the terrorist group 17N and terrorism in general. They are in position to hear the "noise" prior to such an event and elevate the alert level. They didn't do that, cause they didn't hear such noise since more than likely there was no terrorism involved here.

Kostas, Washington D.C, USA

This terrible event reminds me of some of the horrific forrest fires we have had in America over the past few years. The only difference, it seams, is that most of these fires were started by arsonists (who were maybe even paid by corporations to do so). What a pitiful waste... I am truly sorry, Greece.

Taylor, Springfield, Missouri

These Americans do love calling things 'terrorism', don't they?

Tom Whittwell, London, England

Thank you for your really interesting article.As a Greek resident,I can assure you that what is written really covers every aspect of the existing situation in a very subjective way.
Undoubtely,nobody can claim that this action is not a deliberate move,which is connected with the elections taking place in September 16.It was a common knowledge that the Conservative Party would win the elections and only a really unexpected event,which does not have to do with political arguments,could change that.Thus,you can all reach your own conclusions...

George, Thessaloniki, Greece

For the past three and a half years, my partner and I have lived on a 5-acre olive farm on the west coast of the Peloponnese about 15 miles south of Zaharo, where one of the first and biggest fires broke out on Friday.

Since then, we have kept a 24 hour vigil in case the wind changed direction and brought the flames towards our home. On Saturday, we even packed a few belongings and essential items so that we were prepared to leave in a hurry if necessary.

On Sunday, the sky was filled with heavy black smoke and ash fell all around us like snowflakes. We checked the wind direction constantly and with mounting anxiety, but by the evening there was little wind and the fires seemed to have been brought under control.

By this morning, the ash and smoke had largely gone and there was no evidence of fires nearby. We still cannot feel safe, however, because many of these blazes have been started deliberately. Who is to say whether someone might start another fire near our home tonight?

Rob Johnson, Kyparissia, Greece

That's a real disaster, I've been to much of Peloponesse before, the place is simply sacred, you can find ruins of ancient temples among olive trees all over the peninsula. Regarding the complains about protecting "old stones", I think these stones have been very much the basis of the modern civilization (save for the olympic games) and saving them should be a priority by all means.

Lazaros, Birmingham,

why doesnt the uk help the greeks arent we a good allie to them

john, sydney, austraia

U.K, where is your assistance?. Your silence is very loud.

J T anousis, Tolworth, Surrey, UK

A full investigation should be under taken, with forensic reports to help to to gether probley causes, if not for now but futher fires, which may reveaul an operation tactic.

A list combined of operation arsonics, pass and present.
Investigation into these people, even just remove them from suspection.

investigation into operations were indivuals are trying to buy/land grab land previously damaged by fire.

Changes in the law to stop this type occurrence happening, were profit is allowed to be made, because of it.

Prison sentences, for the indivuals, and leaders who have organised the attacks on the Greek people, with the right to compensation for those who have been burnt out by these people.With stiffer sentences for those who are also involved with the death of a Greek subject

Harold Phillips, Meropi, Messina

Thank you for reporting on the national disaster of Greece. The big fire has claimed the lives of so many people. Forests, villages and even archaeological sites have been left in the disposition of the flames.
Earlier today the Representative of the Greek Government had announced in detail all the countries that have offered material help in support of the victims as well as practical assistance in order to put off the fires.
I didn't hear anything about the UK. Is that so? If yes, why? We know that the Greek Secretary for Foreign Affairs has begged for help from all European countries. Is the UK government planning to send any kind of help to the suffering ally?

Fr. Anastasios D. Salapatas, Harrow, Middx., UK

The devastating fires all over Greece killed more than 60 citizens, destroyed huge parts of our forests and they are now threatening the country's soul: the ancient Olympia..
They say its country and their citizens have the politicians they deserve..
I don't think even Greeks deserve those hypocritical, self absorbed and ignorant people representing the vast majority of our main political parties...
May the rain come to the rescue because its certain that the goverment won't as it never does for the last 20 years...

Basilis, Athens,

We Americans are shocked at the destruction. Our hearts go out to all the people. We enjoyed our visits to Greece very much and were treated very well by the people. To think that anyone would deliberately destroy innocent people's homes and priceless ancient historic sites is appalling. It doesn't seem possible that it is not deliberate terrorism.

Enid Bellows, Myerstown, PA, USA