Wildfires continue to sweep across several Balkan countries as scorching temperatures and dry conditions fuel dozens of outbreaks, prompting emergency responses and air support.
In Albania, authorities reported 32 fire outbreaks in the past 24 hours, with nine still active as of Tuesday. Several fires are burning in protected areas and mountainous terrain, including in Dibra, Vlora and Tepelena, where the risk to forests and vegetation remains high. Over 90 hectares of land, mainly covered in bushes and vegetation, have been scorched.
The Albanian Defense Ministry said 620 personnel and 44 firefighting vehicles are currently involved in firefighting operations. Among them are 167 members of the Armed Forces, supported by 21 vehicles and one helicopter, particularly engaged in Vlora region, where flames threaten the Llogara National Park.
Meanwhile, North Macedonia’s Crisis Management Center (CUK) said 15 wildfires were recorded on Tuesday, with seven still active. On Monday, authorities registered 38 fire incidents across the country.
In Greece, a wildfire broke out Tuesday afternoon in the Himeros Topos area of Aspropyrgos, west of Athens. The blaze, which started around 1:30 p.m., is burning through low vegetation and dry grass but is not threatening residential areas, according to fire officials. The Fire Service deployed 38 firefighters, 13 vehicles, a ground team, and two helicopters to contain the flames.
The Hydrometeorological Institute of Kosovo (HMIK) issued a red alert, warning of temperatures exceeding 38°C (100.4°F) and “extremely favorable weather conditions” for wildfires.
In Croatia, wildfires that erupted on Monday burned through 160 hectares (395 acres), according to national broadcaster HRT. Serbia also reported several fire outbreaks on Monday, as did Bosnia and Herzegovina, where authorities issued an orange alert with temperatures nearing 40°C (104°F).
Authorities across the region are urging the public to exercise extreme caution during the heat wave, warning that fire risks remain high in the coming days.