Into the hot and dry drought conditions Europe lead to major forest fires that leave travelers stranded and give others holiday headaches.
Four countries are currently facing the wrath of these dangerous flames and already exhausted firefighters are working diligently to get ahead of the blazes and protect people, animals and property.
Let’s take a look at the four major wildfire fronts across Europe and the steps travelers can take to protect themselves and their holiday investment.
North Macedonia
One of the hardest-hit areas affected by the forest fires is the country of North Macedonia, where support from other countries has been called in to help with seven different forest fires.
For the past two weeks, first responders have been working on the flames to prevent further damage and property loss.
The city of Štip, located in the mountainous area just southeast of the capital Skopje, is located Mount Serta. This is the main focus at the moment as this almost 7,500 hectare fire threatens both Štip and Negotino.
According to press reports, officials called in two police helicopters, an army helicopter, 60 special forces police officers and more than 100 members of the military to help battle the flames and control the area.
Additional resources from the European Union, of which North Macedonia wants to be part, have also been deployed to help with the firefight in the mountainous region.
Bulgaria
Meanwhile, fire conditions in Bulgaria were unfortunately much worse.
High temperatures, dry conditions and strong winds in the municipality of Bolyarovo, on the border with Turkey, caused significant damage to property.
Local news reports show that a total of almost 29,000 hectares of land have been destroyed by the flames, including many houses in the small village of Boden.
Emergency services are sending temporary housing and needed household supplies to those displaced by the wildfire.
Portugal
A large forest fire broke out near the Portuguese capital Lisbon and quickly became dangerous.
The fire brigade arrived on the scene and was overwhelmed by the smoke and flames. Nearly a dozen firefighters were sent to the hospital along with three other people with injuries from smoke inhalation.
Local media in Lisbon reported that the fire, which quickly grew in heat and intensity, was extinguished by first responders a few hours later.
More than 300 firefighters were deployed to quickly bring the flames under control, along with 93 emergency vehicles and eight water drop planes.
A riding school was damaged by the forest fire. However, the 30 horses that were in the center were able to be rescued and brought to safety.
The smoke caused some minor impacts at Lisbon Airport, causing many travelers to experience delays in their flight departures and arrivals.
Greece
Forest fires are still raging on the Greek side of the border with Bulgaria, affecting travelers in the towns of Petrovo and Goleshovo, about a mile away.
So far, forestry firefighters have managed to get a line in place to protect Slavyanka Mountain, where the Ali Botush Reserve is located.
Popular with nature tourists, the Ali Botush Reserve is the largest forest of Bosnian pine in the world. Part of the reserve has been affected by smoke from the flames and the struggle to control the fire. For safety reasons it is partly closed to visitors.
Firefighters hope to get most, if not all, of the wildfire under control within a few days.
Tips for travelers
The hot and dry summer in Europe has caused many headaches for travelers, including flight delays and cancellations due to smoke and emergency operations.
It is recommended that travelers obtain adequate travel insurance prior to vacationing in Europe this summer. The insurance should not only cover flight delays, but also cover flight cancellations and trip interruptions.
Tourists should check with their own credit card company first, as many can offer this crucial travel insurance coverage at no extra cost, as long as the flights and accommodations are booked on the card.
Otherwise, reasonable cover is available from some major online travel insurers.
