Europe Ablaze: Fires Sweep Through Top Tourist Countries in August 2024
Croatia is installing cameras in forests to monitor careless tourists, while Spain has banned filling swimming pools to conserve water.
Five European countries in the south have declared warnings about extreme heat, leading to forest fires.
As reported by Independent, extreme heat is once again causing disruptions for many travelers. The risk of forest fires is expected to increase due to climate change. Summer will increasingly be characterized by massive fires that claim lives and ravage territories.
According to reports, the risk of forest fires has spread to previously unaffected areas, far beyond the Mediterranean region.
Fires in Greece
Many regions in Greece have been declared in a state of emergency due to forest fires.
Flights at Athens Airport are currently operating normally, but people are being asked to allow extra time for their journey to the airport, as roads may be closed.
Locals are also being asked to stay indoors with closed windows due to smoke.
Drought in Spain
A high risk of forest fires has been declared in most of Spain due to drought.
The popular Spanish island of Mallorca has been affected by drought, with some villages limiting water supply to 12 hours a day.
The province of Castellón - on the Mediterranean coast east of Madrid and north of Valencia - is also experiencing severe drought, with authorities banning people from filling swimming pools.
And on the Canary Islands, winds of over 50 km/h are expected, which will contribute to the spread of fire.
Forest Fires in Portugal
The peak of the fire season in Portugal has already begun and may last until October. Over 250 firefighters are battling flames in the north of the country.
"Make a plan of action in case you need to evacuate. Prepare an evacuation kit. In the event of forest fires or road closures, prepare alternative transportation options and remember that public transportation routes may be affected," local residents are being warned.
Albania is also suffering from fires Forest fires are a common occurrence in Albania from April to October due to dry and hot weather.
To combat the fires, the European Union is sending emergency aid to the country.
Croatia tightens penalties for tourists Almost half of Croatia's territory is covered in forests and wooded areas. Fearing fires, authorities have installed 220 cameras in 110 forest areas to monitor tourist behavior.
People are being warned about severe penalties for "arson" - even barbecues outside designated areas can result in a fine of 20,000 euros and possible imprisonment, while a lit cigarette or an empty bottle left in the open air can result in a fine of up to 1,200 euros.
Heatwave in Europe spoils tourist holidays As previously reported by UNIAN, 80% of tourists are afraid that in 5 years, top European destinations will be too hot for vacation.
Tourists are most concerned about the future of their holidays in Greece, with Turkey, Spain, Cyprus, Italy, Portugal, and Malta also at risk.
Chief forecaster and ideologist of the weather forecast service Pogodnik. Co-author of scientific articles and specialized content for various online media.
