Lebanon battles worst wildfires in decades BBC News

Lebanon has asked for international help battling hundreds of forest fires that broke out on Monday and have spread abroad. The blazes the worst in decades started in Lebanon s western mountains, amid a heatwave and strong winds. Heavy smoke was seen over Beirut and the city of Sidon, and one volunteer firefighter reportedly died. Two forestry workers have also died in the northwestern region of Latakia, according to Syrian state media. Eight more were injured in the flames, Sana news agency said.