European countries are again on the receiving end of wildfires occasioned by high temperatures in the region with latest calamities happening in Portugal, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria.
In Portugal, 14 people, including 11 firefighters, got injured by smoke, in a fire that occurred near Lisbon. The fire began in the afternoon but was soon extinguished by more than three hundred firefighters aided by ninety-three fire trucks and eight aircrafts dropping water. Houses were destroyed, an equestrian center was affected, so 30 horses had to be evacuated.
In North Macedonia, seven have been burning for quite some time, almost two weeks, with the most serious one on Serta Mountain between Stip and Negotino. Approximately 30 kilometers of land has been scorched, two police helicopters, one army helicopter, 60 special service police officers, 100 army personnel. For this reason, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism has enhanced the number of helicopters and planes in support of the process.
In Bulgaria, the wildfire in the region of Bolyarovo, close to the border with Turkey, is fully extinguished after lasting one week. They have burnt approximately 73 kilometres of ground and especially have impacted the village of Voden. Shelters are being provided for the affected people at present and there are trailers with cots, utensils, and other articles.
Also, fires in Greece near the Bulgarian border are being monitored. There are attempts to stop the fire from reaching the Slavyanka mountain where Ali Botush Reserve is located. The unit in Blagoevgrad is standing by in case it has to be called on.
Officials are still trying to cope and explain the situation as Europe experiences one of the severest fire seasons.
