ATHENS, August 16, 2008 (AFP) - The NATO-led peacekeeping force in Kosovo moved 264 members of its Greek contingent from their camp Saturday amid fears of contamination by a toxic cloud, military officials in Athens said.

The French commander of KFOR's northern district ordered their evacuation overnight Friday after reports that a Kosovo company was about to incinerate toxic substances at a plant one kilometre (less than a mile) from the camp.

KFOR did not comment on the operation, but in a brief statement it said it had been 'carrying out a series of exercises since August 14 to make sure a rapid response is given by troops on the ground if need be'.

Greek military leaders said no incineration had taken place by late Saturday, but Greek soldiers were to spend the night at an open-air camp north of Mitrovica, about 20 kilometers (15 miles) from their original base.

Nothing was immediately known about the make-up of the toxic waste.

Greek military officials said people living close to the toxic waste dump want it moved, also fearing that the planned incineration does not meet safety standards.