Australia offers Greece assistance

Australia has offered to send specialist fire and aviation experts to Greece to help deal with the forest fire emergency there, Prime Minister John Howard said.

More than 60 people have been killed since devastating fires broke out in Greece 6 days ago. Mr Howard said four Australian experts could be sent to Greece.

“The Australian expertise being offered includes two bushfire management officers (a high-level incident controller and a senior operations officer), a bushfire investigation officer, a forest fire behaviour expert and an aviation management expert,” he said in a statement.

“Australian officials will work closely with Greek authorities to ensure Australia provides the most appropriate and useful support possible. The thoughts of the Australian Government and all Australians remain with the people of Greece at this difficult time.”

The Australian government had previously announced it would donate $3 million to assist the firefighting and recovery operation in Greece.

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