Heat Wave Triggering Wildfires in Eastern Europe

Officials and residents in the Balkans are trying to cope with a near-record heat wave as temperatures soar across much of eastern Europe, with wildfires raging and some people collapsing on the streets.

In Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, Macedonia, Bosnia and Albania authorities issued heat warnings Thursday for people to stay indoors and drink water to avoid hyperthermia.

The hottest spot was Montenegro, where temperatures in the last few days reached more than 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), prompting authorities to recommend working hours be cut to skip the midday heat.

Montenegro and Albania also have experienced several wildfires near their capitals and on the Adriatic Sea coastline, but no major injuries or damage have been reported.