Heat wave fuels wildfires across Balkans

​​​​​​​ISTANBUL

The North Macedonia Crisis Management Center (CUK) announced on Facebook that it recorded 15 wildfires on Tuesday, with seven still active, as Balkan countries struggle with outbreaks fueled by a heat wave.

The CUK also recorded 38 fires within 24 hours on Monday.

The Albanian Defense Ministry said Tuesday that 21 fire outbreaks have been reported in the last 24 hours, of which nine are active and one is being monitored.

The ministry noted that more than 32 hectares (79 acres) were burned with a high risk expected to remain for another day in certain regions.

The Hydrometeorological Institute of Kosovo (HMIK) also issued a red alert as temperatures are likely to exceed 38°C (100.4°F), warning of "extremely favorable weather conditions" for forest fires.

In Croatia, fires that erupted Monday have burned 160 hectares (395 acres) according to public broadcaster HRT.

Serbian broadcaster RTS reported wildfires erupting in various areas across the country Monday.

The Federal Meteorological Institute of Bosnia and Herzegovina also issued an orange alert Tuesday as temperatures were expected to approach 40°C (104°F).