Bohemian Switzerland park director dismissed following complaints over handling of forest fire

Head of the Bohemian Switzerland National Park administration Pavel Benda has been dismissed by Environment Minister Anna Hubáčková, due to poor handling of the forest fire that broke out in July and insufficient communication with surrounding municipalities, the Czech News Agency reported on Monday. Mr. Benda's final day in the position will be September 30.

The forest fire in the national park was the largest the country has ever experienced. The mayors of some municipalities in the region repeatedly complained about poor communication between themselves and the park administration, and residents in the town of Mezná, where three houses burned down, want to take the management to court as they believe the devastating fire could have been prevented. The park administration denies any wrongdoing.