Croatia firefighters report toughest day. North Macedonia could seek NATO help against wildfires

A firefighting plane collects water for extinguishing fire off shore of Ciovo island, in a file photo. [AP]

Balkan countries on Wednesday battled wildfires stoked by high temperatures, winds and a weeks-long drought with firefighters in Croatia saying the toughest day so far this season was behind them as North Macedonia's emergency chief suggest the country should seek assistance from NATO.

Croatia's Firefighters' Association described the past 24 hours as the most demanding this summer with more than 100 interventions that involved over 1,000 firefighters and 20 firefighting planes.

Meanwhile in North Macedonia, the last 24 hours saw a total of 66 wildfires erupting, authorities there said Wednesday, prompting calls for assistance from the international community.

The most serious incident in Croatia overnight was near the small town of Tucepi, along the country's southern coast, where one firefighter was injured. A strong wind that blew throughout the night made...

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