New fires have broken out in southern Europe. In Italy, the fires are approaching the city of Rome, while several helicopters and planes have been deployed in Albania and North Macedonia.
A major forest fire ravaged the Monte Mario nature reserve in Rome on Wednesday, near the criminal court in Piazza Clodio. Several helicopters were dispatched to the scene to drop water on the flames. Residents in the surrounding area were evacuated. The fire also came dangerously close to the Rome studios of Italian public television RAIjust 2.5 kilometers from St. Peter’s Basilica.
In Albania, too, fires are increasing. On Wednesday, one of them reached the southern village of Mashkullore, but caused no damage. Hundreds of firefighters, military personnel and volunteers have successfully brought a major wildfire under control in the coastal city of Shengjin. This damaged a roof and two beach bars, and sent panicked visitors fleeing.
An Albanian army helicopter and two Italian Canadair planes, called in as reinforcements under the European Union’s civil protection mechanism, were mobilised.
A few hundred kilometres away, in North Macedonia, another fire continues to rage east of Sveti Nikola. Rescuers there are also being helped by bomber planes and three helicopters, two of which are on loan from Serbia.
These forest fires have already claimed victims. On Wednesday, a man trapped in the flames died in the isolated village of Kokoshinje. His wife was saved.
*North Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski assured that there were enough firefighters and army personnel to deal with the fires, although he said the situation had reached a critical stage. “historic peak”.* As of yesterday, 66 active open fires were reported, 40 of which were successfully extinguished according to local authorities.
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