Balkans Unite: Serbia Sends Firefighting Aid Amidst Deadly Heatwave

North Macedonia and Bosnia's Serb Republic have requested firefighting helicopters from Serbia to battle forest fires sparked by a severe heatwave affecting eastern and southern Europe. Serbian minister Ivica Dacic confirmed the request and pledged support. The heatwave has led to temperatures exceeding 39°C, impacting multiple countries in the Balkans.

North Macedonia and Bosnia's Serb Republic sought firefighting helicopters from Serbia on Monday to combat forest fires ignited by a heatwave sweeping through eastern and southern Europe. Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dacic confirmed that Belgrade had received a call for assistance from North Macedonia, which declared a state of emergency due to the fires.

"I think we have enough capacity to help two countries," Dacic stated on Monday. Temperatures have soared above 39 degrees Celsius (102 Fahrenheit) across the Balkans, exacerbating the wildfire crisis.

North Macedonia's firefighters are currently tackling 17 wildfires in central and southern regions. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski announced on Facebook that help is on the way from Slovenia, Turkey, Serbia, and Montenegro.

Similarly, Bosnia's Serb Republic requested a firefighting helicopter from Belgrade to address a significant blaze near Gacko, close to Montenegro. Serbia's military and police operate around a dozen helicopters available for firefighting, including specialized Russian Ka-32s.

Elsewhere in Europe, Italy braces for similar intense heat, with temperatures expected to reach 45 degrees Celsius. The heatwave is similarly affecting countries like Greece, France, Spain, Poland, and Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies.)