Serbian authorities were racing to contain a major wildfire in a wooded area in the northeast of the country on Friday, while several other blazes raged across the nation. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
The fire swept through pine forests in the Deliblatska Pescara (Deliblato Sands) nature reserve, located about 65 kilometers (40 miles) from the capital, Belgrade. Helicopters were dropping water on the flames. Another major fire was reported near the central town of Kraljevo.
According to the Associated Press, the fires in Serbia are raging close to the settlements of Cardak and Sumarak in the Deliblatska Pescara area. Regional television reported that villagers from Sumarak have been asked to leave their homes as a precaution.
Officials said the blaze had engulfed at least 700 hectares of land in the Deliblato Sands special natural reserve, located about 50 kilometers east of Belgrade.
The blistering heat wave bearing down on Europe in recent weeks has set national temperature records in multiple countries, led to droughts that have strained national energy systems, and fueled wildfires from Western Europe to the Balkans.
Firefighting efforts in Serbia are ongoing, with helicopters and firefighters working to bring the situation under control.