Serbia races to contain wildfires as Europe’s blistering heat wave grips the Balkans

Serbia is currently battling major wildfires amid a blistering heat wave that is gripping Europe, particularly the Balkans. Thick gray smoke was seen drifting over a wooded area near Deliblatska Pescara, a protected nature reserve located about 65 kilometers from the capital, Belgrade, on Friday. Firefighters utilized helicopters to drop water onto the blaze engulfing pine forests in the vicinity.

Additionally, another significant fire was raging near the central town of Kraljevo. The intense heat wave, affecting multiple European countries, has set national temperature records, led to droughts straining energy systems, and exacerbated wildfires in the region. Close to settlements, fires have been reported in the Deliblatska Pescara area, prompting villagers from Sumarak to be asked to evacuate as a precaution.

No homes have been confirmed to have caught fire, and no casualties have been reported. The recent days of drought and scorching temperatures, reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius (104F), have heightened the wildfire risk. Strong winds across the Balkans on Friday further complicated firefighters' efforts to contain the blazes. Following an emergency meeting, Serbia's Interior Minister Ivica Dacic announced the deployment of the army to assist in emergency efforts.

The government also appealed to all state companies to contribute any available equipment or personnel to aid in battling the fires. Despite the presence of nine wildfires across the country, Dacic stated that the situation remained "not critical." Furthermore, efforts were underway to combat fires in neighboring Montenegro near the town of Cetinje and other locations within the Adriatic Sea nation.