Prague bans outdoor fires as dry weather raises wildfire risk

Prague authorities have banned the lighting of fires in parks, forests, gardens and other natural areas across the Czech capital because of an increased wildfire risk. The measure took effect at 11 a.m. on Saturday and remains in place until further notice. The restrictions follow a warning from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute after prolonged hot, dry weather. Smoking, discarding cigarette butts and using pyrotechnics are also banned in designated high-risk areas. Meteorologists expect temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius in the coming days, with little chance of rain.