Wildfires burning across Lebanon and into Syria are being described as the worst in decades. The fires started in Lebanon's western mountains during a heatwave and have been spread by strong winds.

Reports suggest one firefighter and two forestry workers have lost their lives, with at least eight more people being injured. The Lebanese Red Cross announced they have treated more than 70 people at a field hospital in Damour, Lebanon.

Lebanon's Interior Minister Raya El Hassan said the government had contacted several countries for help to battle hundreds of forest fires. Army and air force units have already been deployed with water cannons to supress the flames which spread into three provinces in neighboring Syria.

Rainfall helped to subdue fires, but the risk of fires igniting again remains high as strong winds and rising temperatures are forecast over the coming days.