July 21, 2025 – Firefighters across the Balkans are battling a surge of wildfires fueled by an intense heatwave gripping the region, with Albania, North Macedonia, Croatia, Kosovo, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina all facing dangerously high temperatures and spreading flames.
In North Macedonia, authorities reported seven major fires as temperatures are forecasted to soar to 42°C on Tuesday. Emergency services are on high alert as dry conditions continue to worsen the situation.
Meanwhile in Albania, five fires remain out of control as the country endures heat ranging between 37°C and 41°C. Firefighting crews are struggling to contain the blazes in rugged and inaccessible terrains.
Croatia is also facing critical conditions, especially near the popular tourist city of Šibenik, where a large wildfire broke out. Dozens of emergency personnel and six firefighting aircraft have been deployed. Some fire zones have been burning for days, prompting local mayors to warn of insufficient resources to manage the crisis.
Kosovo and Serbia are also experiencing extreme heat, raising concerns over increased fire risk and pressure on emergency infrastructure.
In northern Bosnia and Herzegovina, forecasts indicate temperatures will reach up to 40°C, pushing the region closer to emergency-level conditions.
The current heatwave is one of the most severe of the summer and is placing enormous strain on firefighting units, many of whom are already dealing with equipment shortages and limited manpower. Authorities across the Balkans are urging citizens to avoid open flames and to report any signs of fire immediately.
The unfolding situation highlights the escalating impact of climate change in Southeastern Europe, where hotter, drier summers are increasingly leading to dangerous wildfires and posing threats to lives, infrastructure, and ecosystems.
