Finland and Sweden Monday offered to dispatch helicopters to Greece to join international efforts to combat fires in the south European country, according to dpa. The Finnish Foreign Ministry said Finland had offered 3 specially-equipped helicopters and a team of firefighters as part of its contribution to a European Union wide effort to help Greek authorities. Finland was also looking into possibilities to aid Greece with experts on forestry replanting once the fires have been put out. The Swedish Rescue Services Agency said it had sent two experts to Greece on Monday to assess needs. In addition, a helicopter is on standby in case it should be required. The fires, raging out of control in several places, have claimed more than 50 lives.
