Ancient Olympia escapes Greek forest fire: spox

ATHENS (Reuters) - A raging forest fire on Sunday licked the outskirts of ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, but was stopped short of the historic site, the fire brigade said.

"The fire reached the hill overlooking ancient Olympia but was stopped just before entering the archaeological site," said a fire brigade spokesman, who declined to be named. "Six planes, two helicopters, 15 fire engines and 45 firemen participated in the effort."

Unchecked forest fires have killed 51 people in Greece in the last three days and the government has declared a nationwide state of emergency.