Strong winds, high temperatures fan flames in Montenegro

High winds and soaring temperatures have led to numerous outbreaks of fire in Montenegro, with the situation in the north of the country said to be especially serious, reported Radio Television Montenegro (RTCG) on Wednesday. "The situation in the north is so worrisome that we will in coordination with protection and emergency services discuss further action," said Deputy Interior Minister for Emergency Situations Zoran Begovic. According to the official, the towns of Pljevlja and Berane, not far from the Serbian border, are the most vulnerable. With no rain in sight and temperatures expected to top 40 degree Celsius, firefighters and local volunteers have been able to slow the spread of a number of fires through Montenegro, but unable to extinguish most of them. "With each hour the situation is worsening and slowly (the fire) is approaching houses," said Punisa Musikic from the village of Morakovo, east of Niksic. "If it descends further, all the houses will be lost." Musikic said a soldering fire was noticed two weeks ago on the mountain overlooking the community, but nothing was done due to the inaccessibility of the terrain. Hot and dry winds have since spread the flames in all directions. Although firefighters along with members of the Montenegrin Army have reportedly been able to contain many of the fires around the capital of Podgorica, a nearby pine forest remains vulnerable to an outbreak.