Czech news in brief for July 25: Saturday's top afternoon headlines

Good afternoon! Wildfire risks are rising across parts of Czechia as dry weather continues, while a Czech tourist has been rescued after a boat went missing in Indonesia. Meanwhile, a dispute is brewing over Prague’s renovated Jiřího z Poděbrad Square and a minister has been fined over a conflict of interest breach. Here’s your curated look at this afternoon’s news.

Czech meteorologists have issued a wildfire warning to western and northern Bohemia, with central Bohemia, Prague, and parts of eastern Bohemia added from Sunday. South Moravia remains under an indefinite fire risk warning due to prolonged dry weather.

Key details: The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute expects cooler temperatures and rain on Monday to temporarily reduce the fire danger. Authorities are urging people to avoid lighting fires, smoking in nature, or using grills and other open flames outdoors.

Indonesian rescue teams have found a missing motorboat carrying 11 European tourists, including one Czech citizen, after it disappeared off the coast of Sulawesi. All passengers were rescued and are receiving medical care, the Czech Foreign Ministry said Saturday.

Rescue operation: The Czech Embassy in Jakarta is working to contact the Czech national and is ready to provide consular assistance. The search covered about 550 square kilometers and was complicated by strong winds and rough seas.

A Czech sculptor has criticized the renovation of Prague’s Jiřího z Poděbrad Square, saying work on his 1982 fountain damaged its original appearance and erased his signature. Petr Šedivý also condemned the removal of a brutalist metro ventilation structure he designed for the square.

Renovation dispute: Prague 3 said replacing the metro vent was necessary because it damaged nearby greenery and affected the farmers’ market. The district denied ordering any changes to the fountain’s signature, despite it later reappearing in a form the artist says is not authentic.

Regional Development Minister Zuzana Mrázová has received a fine from the city of Most for failing to disclose a family loan used to buy a plot of land in her property declaration. The ANO minister said she accepts responsibility, will pay the penalty, and will not appeal the decision.

Negligent offense: Authorities classified the violation as a negligent offense under the conflict of interest law. The fine amount has not been disclosed, but the law allows penalties of up to CZK 50,000.

Tropical temperatures are expected to return to Czechia next week, with highs potentially reaching 36 degrees Celsius by next weekend, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. A cold front early in the week will briefly bring cooler weather, along with rain and thunderstorms.

Weather outlook: Forecasters expect temperatures to climb steadily from Tuesday, with tropical nights also possible by next weekend. While some weather models suggest even higher temperatures, meteorologists say it is too early to predict another record-breaking heatwave.