Fire fighters battling forest fire in Bohemian Switzerland national park

Fire fighters are battling to contain a forest fire that started in the Bohemian Switzerland national park in the north of the country. The fire broke out on Saturday morning in a difficult to reach spot near Pravčická brána, a popular tourist destination, and spread to an area of around two hectares.

Sixteen units, as well as a police helicopter have been deployed at the site. The cause of the forest fire has not yet been established, but according to the spokesperson for the fire service, it has mostly likely been caused by human negligence.

A high-level fire-risk alert has been in place around Czechia over the past few days because of the hot and dry weather. Many regions, including Prague, have issued a ban on making fire and smoking out in the open.