Wildfires are currently raging across Montenegro, severely straining the nation’s emergency response systems. The blazes, fueled by high temperatures, dry conditions, and strong winds, are widespread, affecting multiple regions including the capital Podgorica, the Luštica peninsula, Lovćen, and areas near Bijelo Polje and Nikšić. Firefighters are working tirelessly without rest, battling flames that threaten settlements and natural landscapes.
Montenegro Under Siege by Wildfires
Montenegro is currently grappling with a severe wildfire crisis, with numerous blazes erupting across the country. The situation is exacerbated by unseasonably high temperatures, dry conditions, and strong winds, which are fanning the flames and making firefighting efforts increasingly difficult and dangerous. The country’s emergency services are stretched thin as they respond to fires from the coast to the mountains.
- Widespread Blazes: Fires are active in multiple locations, including Podgorica, Luštica, Lovćen, Bijelo Polje, and Nikšić.
- Strained Resources: Firefighters are working around the clock, with limited resources, including one plane from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and police and military helicopters.
- Citizen Appeals: Authorities are repeatedly urging citizens to exercise extreme caution and refrain from lighting open fires, as many blazes are suspected to be caused by human negligence.
Regional Wildfire Crisis
Montenegro is not alone in its struggle against wildfires; neighboring countries and the wider Southern European region are also experiencing significant fire activity. Turkey has been particularly hard-hit, with wildfires threatening its fourth-largest city, Bursa, and causing widespread evacuations and fatalities. Greece and Bulgaria are also battling numerous blazes, with high temperatures and strong winds contributing to the severity of the situation.
- Turkey: Facing severe wildfires, with over 3,500 people evacuated near Bursa and at least two reported deaths. The country recorded its highest-ever temperature of 50.5 degrees Celsius.
- Greece: Battling active wildfires in the southwest and on the island of Kythera, with high temperatures persisting across the country.
- Bulgaria: Experiencing numerous wildfires, with some provinces declared disaster zones and requests made for international assistance.
Challenges and Future Outlook
The ongoing wildfires highlight a critical need for enhanced firefighting capabilities in Montenegro, particularly the acquisition of specialized aircraft like water-bombing planes (Canadairs). Despite past announcements, the country still lacks these essential resources, leaving ground crews to manage the escalating crisis. The resilience of the firefighters is being tested as they continue their efforts to protect lives and property amidst the widespread devastation.
Sources
- Montenegro Wildfires | National | ncnewsonline.com, New Castle News.
- Wildfires threaten Turkey’s fourth-largest city as southern Europe grapples with blazes, KOIN.com.
- Fires across the country, firefighters on the ground without a break, vijesti.me.
- Southern Europe burns: ‘Apocalyptic’ wildfires rage in holiday hotspots with 14 people killed in Turkey,
Greece battling 50 blazes in a day and villages razed to the ground in Albania, Daily Mail. - Montenegro in Flames – Is the Protection System Working?, vijesti.me.
