Croatia reports its toughest day for firefighters as Balkan nations battle wildfires in a heat wave

Balkan countries are battling wildfires stoked by high temperatures, winds and a weekslong drought. Firefighters in Croatia say they faced their toughest day so far this season and North Macedonia is suggesting it might need to seek help from NATO. Croatia’s Firefighters’ Association said the demanding 24-hour period included responding to more than 100 fires with over 1,000 firefighters and 20 firefighting planes. In North Macedonia, some 66 wildfires erupted over the past 24 hours. The most serious incident in Croatia overnight was near the southern coastal town of Tucepi, where one firefighter was injured. A strong wind blowing through the night made it difficult to combat the raging blaze, stretching for several kilometers.