Balkans and southern Europe battle wildfires amid severe heatwave
Image credit: Hasičský záchranný sbor ČR
The severe heatwave has sparked widespread wildfires across the Balkans and southern Europe over the past 10 days, causing 1 death, and prompting an international response to combat the blazes.
Hot summer temperatures have ignited widespread wildfires throughout the Balkans and southern Europe over the past 10 days, prompting an international firefighting response.
Serbia has dispatched helicopters to assist North Macedonia in combating uncontrollable wildfires amid extreme heatwave conditions. Firefighting helicopters are also actively engaged on the slopes of Mount Kozjak, near the Prohor Pcinjski monastery in southern Serbia.
North Macedonia has experienced severe wildfire damage this week, with large fires destroying and damaging homes, forcing evacuations, and resulting in the death of an elderly resident in a village approximately 60 km (37 miles) east of the capital, Skopje.
Officials reported that strong winds have accelerated the spread of wildfires in parts of eastern and central North Macedonia since July 29, with 66 wildfires erupting over the past 24 hours. North Macedonia is considering seeking assistance from NATO to control the situation.
VIDEO: Macedonian firefighters, supported by their Austrian, Bulgarian and Slovenian colleagues, battle a wildfire near the town of Berova in the east of North Macedonia pic.twitter.com/yR3vi0mX1I
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) August 7, 2021
In Albania, wildfires continued to threaten residential areas on July 31, particularly in the southern village of Mashkullore, though no damage was reported.
Wildfire in Shengjin, Albania, July 30, 2024. REUTERS/Florion Goga #reurerspictures #reutersphoto #photojournalism #onassignment #wildfires @reuterspictures pic.twitter.com/9Nx6LSy945
— Florion Goga (@FlorionGoga) July 31, 2024
In the coastal town of Shengjin, hundreds of firefighters, military personnel, and volunteers managed to control a major fire after it damaged a roof and two beach bars, causing panic among visitors.
Wildfire response update: Two firefighting airplanes from the EU's joint firefighting fleet, #rescEU, hosted by Italy, are on their way to Albania.
— EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid (@eu_echo) July 30, 2024
Through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, we are #UnitedInAction. pic.twitter.com/UsUWkVVaEO
In Croatia, fires along the Dalmatian coast forced residents to evacuate, though no casualties were reported. According to Croatian emergency services, 755 firefighters were deployed to tackle 122 different fires with the support of 10 Canadair planes.
The Croatian fire brigade confirmed that fires in all areas had been successfully contained by August 1. However, the past 24 hours were particularly challenging. Firefighters cited July 31 as their toughest day so far this season, with over 1 000 firefighters and 20 firefighting planes responding to more than 100 fires.
A wildfire near Makarska photographed from the island of Brac, Croatia pic.twitter.com/ZK5MlO3nKt
— CroatianTimes (@CroatianTimes) July 31, 2024
The most serious incident occurred near the southern coastal town of Tucepi, where one firefighter was injured. A strong wind exacerbated the situation, making it difficult to control the blaze, which stretched for several kilometers.
Police detained a 65-year-old man suspected of accidentally starting the fire while working on his beehives, facing charges of endangering public safety. Residents endured a sleepless night, with some evacuating their homes, and power supplies were disrupted. Explosions, likely from gas canisters, were reported, and firefighting planes were seen flying overhead.
Extreme heat is also affecting other parts of Europe, with nine municipalities across Spain currently under orange warnings for high temperatures.
References:
1 Croatia reports its toughest day for firefighters as Balkan nations battle wildfires in a heat wave – AP -July 31, 2024
2 Balkans battle wildfires from prolonged heatwave in Europe – euronews – August 1, 2024
Rishav is a skilled researcher specializing in extreme and severe weather reporting. He combines exceptional research capabilities with scientific precision to deliver clear, data-driven articles. Known for uncovering critical information, Rishav ensures his work is accurate, insightful, and impactful. His passion for both science and literature fuels his dedication to producing high-quality news articles. You can reach him at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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