Wildfires are currently raging across Montenegro, severely straining the nation’s emergency response systems. The blazes are exacerbated by unseasonably high temperatures, dry conditions, and strong winds, mirroring a broader regional crisis affecting countries like Turkey and Greece. Firefighters are working tirelessly without a break, battling numerous fires that threaten settlements and natural landscapes.
Montenegro Battles Widespread Blazes Amid Regional Crisis
Montenegro is grappling with a significant wildfire crisis, with fires erupting across the country. Firefighters are on the front lines, working relentlessly to contain the blazes that are stretching the nation’s emergency response capabilities to their limits. The situation is compounded by a lack of essential firefighting aircraft, such as water-dropping planes, forcing ground crews to manage the escalating situation with limited resources.
- Widespread Fires: Fires are reported from Ćemovsko polje in Podgorica to Luštica, Lovćen, and the mountains above Bijelo Polje and Nikšić.
- Strain on Resources: Firefighters are working without a break, and the country lacks crucial firefighting aircraft like ‘Canadairs’.
- Contributing Factors: High temperatures, dry conditions, and strong winds are fueling the fires.
- Citizen Responsibility: Authorities are urging citizens to be cautious and refrain from lighting fires in the open.
Regional Wildfire Impact
Montenegro is not alone in its struggle against wildfires. Neighboring countries and popular holiday destinations in Southern Europe are also experiencing severe blazes. Turkey has been particularly hard-hit, with fires threatening its fourth-largest city, Bursa, and causing significant evacuations and fatalities. Greece is also battling numerous fires, with high temperatures and strong winds exacerbating the situation. Albania has also reported devastating wildfires, forcing evacuations and causing damage.
Challenges and Response Efforts
The firefighting efforts in Montenegro are hampered by the absence of specialized firefighting aircraft. While police and military helicopters are assisting, they are insufficient for the scale of the current fires. The Directorate for Protection and Rescue has repeatedly appealed to the public to exercise caution and avoid activities that could spark new fires, such as open burning. Despite hopes for rain to ease the conditions, the weather has instead brought more fires.
Specific Incidents in Montenegro
Several significant fires have been reported across Montenegro. In Podgorica, a large fire in the Ćemovsko polje area was brought under control with the help of a police helicopter. On the Luštica peninsula, a fire that started due to a lightning strike is still ongoing, with one firefighter sustaining a serious leg injury. Fires are also active in the Žuber mountain range above Pavino Polje, the Lovćen area, and the hinterland of Kotor, where an army helicopter has been deployed. Even in Nikšić, fires have been reported in multiple locations.
Call for Caution Amidst Fire Crisis
As the wildfire situation remains critical, officials are reiterating their appeals to the public. The Directorate for Protection and Rescue emphasizes that all available forces are engaged in combating the blazes and implores citizens to be responsible. The risk of new fires being ignited by careless actions is high, further endangering lives, property, and the dedicated emergency personnel working on the ground.
Sources
- Montenegro Wildfires | National | ncnewsonline.com, New Castle News.
- Wildfires threaten Turkey’s fourth-largest city as southern Europe grapples with blazes, KOIN.com.
- Wildfires threaten Turkey’s fourth-largest city as southern Europe grapples with blazes, KELOLAND.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.
