The hot and dry drought conditions in Europe are leading to large wildfires which are leaving travelers stranded and creating vacation headaches for others.
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 steps travelers can take to protect themselves and their vacation investment.
North Macedonia
One of the hardest hit areas impacted from the wildfire is the country of North Macedonia, where support from other nations have been called in to help with seven different wildfires.
For the last two weeks, first responders have been engaged with the flames working to prevent further damage and property losses.
The town of Štip, located in the mountainous region just southeast of the capital city of Skopje, lies Serta Mountain. This is the major focus of efforts currently as this nearly 7,500-acre fire threatens both Štip and Negotino.
According to press reports, officials have called in the resources of two police helicopters, an army helicopter, 60 special service police officers and more than 100 members of the army to help fight the flames and control the area.
Additional resources from the European Union, of which North Macedonia is seeking to become part of, have also been deployed to assist with the firefight in the mountainous region.
Bulgaria
Meanwhile, the fire conditions in Bulgaria were unfortunately much worse.
High temperatures, dry conditions and high winds in the municipality of Bolyarovo, on the border with Turkey, caused considerable damage to property.
Local news reports indicate that a total of nearly 29,000 acres of land was consumed by the flames, including many homes in the small village of Boden.
Emergency crews are sending temporary housing and needed household amenities to those displaced by the wildfire.
Portugal
A major wildfire broke out near the Portuguese capital city of Lisbon and quickly turned dangerous.
Firefighters were dispatched to the scene and were overtaken by the smoke and flames. Nearly a dozen firefighters were sent to the hospital with injuries related to smoke inhalation along with three other people.
The local media in Lisbon reported that the fire, which rapidly grew in heat and intensity, was able to be contained by emergency first responders a few hours later.
More than 300 firefighters were used to rapidly control the flames along with 93 emergency response vehicles and eight water dropping aircraft.
An equestrian center was damaged in the wildfire. However, the 30 horses located at the center were able to be rescued and evacuated to safety.
The smoke did cause some minor impacts at the airport in Lisbon, leading to many travelers experiencing flight departure and arrival delays.
Greece
On the Greece side of the border with Bulgaria, wildfires are still blazing and affecting travelers in the towns of Petrovo and Goleshovo about a mile away.
So far, forestry firefighters have been able to get a line in place to protect Slavyanka Mountain where the Ali Botush Reserve is located.
Popular with wildlife tourists, the Ali Botush Reserve is the largest forest of Bosnian Pines in the entire world. Some of the reserve has been impacted by the smoke from the flames as well as the fight to control the fire. It has been partly closed to visitors for safety.
Firefighters are hoping to at least get most, if not all, of the wildfire under control within a couple more days.
Tips for Travelers
The hot and dry summer in Europe has caused many headaches for travelers, including flight delays and cancellations related to smoke and emergency operations.
It is recommended that travelers have adequate travel insurance in place in advance of a vacation in Europe this summer. The insurance should provide for not only flight delays, but also flight cancellation and trip interruption coverage.
Tourists should check with their own credit card issuer first as many may provide this critical travel insurance coverage at no extra cost as long as the flights and accommodations were booked on the card.
Otherwise, reasonable coverage is available from a number of major online travel insurance providers.