Wildfires Alarm the World from America to the Balkans, Thousands Evacuated as Flames Spread

On Saturday, the United States moved to the highest level of preparedness.

According to federal authorities, 149 incidents were active across the country, including 88 major fires that had yet to be brought under control. Around 29,400 personnel were deployed in the operations. The situation is most critical in the Northwest, where evacuations and road closures continue in Oregon and Washington.

In British Columbia, Canada, the area affected by the “Bald Range” fire exceeded 20,000 hectares. On Saturday evening, several communities were placed under new evacuation alerts, while residents of other areas began returning to their homes.

The fires also remain active across Europe, from Spain to France. More than 15,000 hectares have been burned by the fire in Huesca, while over 1,000 residents have been forced to leave.

More than 500 people have been evacuated in southwestern France. Meanwhile, the largest fire ever recorded in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, was stabilized on Saturday after more than 2,000 residents had fled their homes.

The situation also remains worrying in the Balkans. Greece recorded more than 50 fires within 24 hours, while Attica, Evia, the Cyclades and Crete are on high alert this Sunday. Operations are continuing on the island of Dugi Otok in Croatia, while Serbia is dealing with dozens of fire outbreaks.