Wildfire Warning Issued Shut To US Embassy

[ad_1] A U.S. Embassy in southeastern Europe has issued an alert {that a} wildfire is burning a couple of miles north of its location, fanned by southerly winds.

The alarm was raised on Tuesday by the U.S. Embassy in Montenegro on the nation's capital Podgorica, and the warning mentioned the blaze was engulfing the village of Piperi, near the outskirts of town, roughly 5 miles away.

It mentioned: "The hearth has produced a big plume of smoke that seems to be blowing southwest and should have an effect on journey in that path."

Newsweek contacted the U.S. Embassy in Montenegro for remark through electronic mail on Wednesday.

Why It Issues The alert got here as wildfires and a warmth wave struck elements of southern Europe, prompting evacuations, worldwide firefighting help and several other deaths reported throughout the area.

What To Know The embassy suggested avoiding the realm in Montenegro till additional discover and advisable monitoring native circumstances and preserving home windows closed.

The alert urged U.S. residents to enroll within the Good Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for updates and to seek the advice of the embassy web site and Division of State social media for help.

Firefighters transfer in a truck to douse a fireplace on the highway northeast of Montenegro capital Podgorica, Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025. Firefighters transfer in a truck to douse a fireplace on the highway northeast of Montenegro capital Podgorica, Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025. Risto Bozovic/Related Press The hearth within the Balkans nation of Montenegro got here amid a surge of blazes throughout Europe, together with Spain, Portugal, Greece and Turkey. Reuters reported that temperatures rose above 40°C (104°F) in elements of the continent, and that authorities evacuated hundreds and mobilized nationwide and worldwide sources to help firefighting efforts.

Authorities in Montenegro, assisted by helicopters from fellow Balkans nations Serbia and Croatia, reported containing a wildfire close to Podgorica on August 12, although smoke lined elements of the capital, the outlet mentioned.

France 24 reported on Tuesday that firefighting within the hilly areas north of Podgorica had concerned army crews and {that a} Montenegrin soldier died when a water tanker overturned whereas combating the fires, with one other severely injured.

What Folks Are Saying The U.S. Embassy in Montenegro mentioned in its alert: "Wildfires are frequent in Montenegro and usually stay exterior city areas, however there's a danger they may unfold to Podgorica. Smoke inhalation poses a critical well being danger, even in case you are not close to the flames. If a wildfire is close to your location, together with your residence, evacuate instantly to an unaffected space."

Dragana Vukovic, whose home in southeastern Piperi was reportedly destroyed, instructed Reuters: "Every thing that may be paid for and purchased will likely be compensated, however the recollections that burned in these 4 rooms and the attic can't be compensated."

Alexandre Favaios, Mayor of Villa Actual, a municipality in Portugal mentioned, based on a Reuters report: "We're being cooked alive, this can't proceed."

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez mentioned in a submit on X, Wednesday: "Emergency groups proceed to battle the hearth at varied factors in our nation. The wildfire scenario stays critical. Taking excessive warning is crucial. Thanks, as soon as once more, to those that work tirelessly to battle the flames."