Wildfire near Bijela threatens homes; hundreds of firefighters deployed
Strong winds and rapidly spreading flames forced preventive evacuations and prompted Montenegro to seek firefighting help from neighbouring states.
Hundreds of firefighters were mobilised overnight to fight a large forest fire that spread across the hills above residential areas in Bijela, Montenegro, officials said. Strong winds complicated suppression efforts and several residents were evacuated as a precaution.
Fire crews worked through the night to prevent the flames from reaching houses clustered on the lower slopes. Local authorities reported that the fire spread rapidly along dry vegetation, driven by gusts that repeatedly changed the fire's direction.
Because of the speed with which the blaze advanced, Montenegro's authorities requested support from firefighting teams in neighbouring countries to bolster local efforts and help contain the perimeter.
Regional summer risk and the climate link
The Montenegrin coast is frequently hit by wildfires during the summer months, especially when high temperatures, prolonged drought and strong dry winds coincide. Such combinations make vegetation more flammable and allow fires to grow faster and become more intense.
These fires are part of a broader wave of extreme weather affecting Europe. Temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius and extended dry spells are drying out fuel across the continent. According to the European climate service Copernicus, Europe is warming more than twice as fast as the global average.
Emergency services in the affected area continued operations into the morning, focusing on securing hotspots and protecting homes. Authorities urged residents in vulnerable neighbourhoods to follow evacuation orders and to stay alert while firefighting teams try to bring the situation under control.
Photo: press material from the event
