TBILISI, August 16, 2008 (AFP) - Georgia claimed Saturday that 'massive' fires were raging in its famous Borjomi national park after it was firebombed by Russian military forces the day earlier.

'The Borjomi Gorge is burning following yesterday?s firebombing by Russian helicopters of the forests in this priceless national park,' the foreign ministry said in a statement.

'The fires were set at about a dozen places and are massive.'

The accusation could not be immediately verified. Russia says it is observing a ceasefire accord.

The Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, about 125 kilometres (80 miles) southwest of Tbilisi, is the source of Borjomi mineral water -- one of Georgia's most celebrated exports.