Czech firefighters to help Greece in combating forest fires

The Czech Republic is sending a special contingent of firefighters to Greece, which has been struggling with extensive forest fires that have been exacerbated by a record heatwave affecting southern Europe.

A total of 15 fire engines with crew of 36 firefighters are due to leave the country onSaturday. Their departure was arranged on Friday by Interior Minister Jan Hamáček and the head of Czech diplomacy Jakub Kulhánek.

Two people have been reported dead amid the uncontrolled wildfires near Athens and thousands more have had to flee their homes. Earlier in the week, the Czech Republic sentsimilar aid to Albania, which has also been hit by extensive forest fires.