Wildfires Rampant Across the Balkans Amid Record Heatwave

Wildfires are rapidly spreading across the Balkans as soaring temperatures persist, marking one of the most intense heatwaves in the region this year. Bulgaria is particularly affected, with Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev urging citizens to exercise “extreme caution” as the state declared a red alert for heatwaves. Extensive fires have engulfed vast areas in the South and South-West of the country.

During a visit to the site of a devastated house in the Stara Zagora region, Glavchev interacted with locals and volunteers who bravely fought the flames. He assured that the current situation is being managed effectively, with additional support available through the Interdepartmental Commission for Recovery and Assistance. Bulgaria has received pledges of assistance from neighboring countries like the Czech Republic and Romania.

Meanwhile, North Macedonia is also grappling with nearly a dozen active wildfires, the most severe being on the Serta Mountain in the Negotino region. The fire has ravaged approximately 700-800 hectares of pine forest and remains uncontained. The Macedonian government has reached out to the EU, requesting the activation of the bloc’s civil protection mechanism.

In response to the crisis, firefighting aircraft from Turkey, Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia have arrived to aid in combatting the blazes, with efforts concentrated in the most affected areas.