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Greece Turns Down Finnish Fire-Fighting Help

Greece has turned down Finland's offer of assistance in the battle against the wildfires on the Peloponnesian peninsula. The Greek Foreign Ministry told Finland on Tuesday that the equipment offered was unsuitable for the task.

Greece had made a plea to other EU countries for heavy aircraft to fight the fires. Finland offered three light helicopters and a group of 25 professionals, including wildfire experts.

Greece's Peloponnesian peninsula, south-west of Athens, has been engulfed by flames fuelled by tinder-dry conditions and spread by strong winds.

Finland's Ambassador to Greece, Ole Norrback, said last weekend that Finnish know-how could be of better use in re-foresting the devastated areas.

Sources: YLE