In August 2025, the country is experiencing large-scale wildfires that have temporarily pushed beach holidays into the background and shifted attention to rescuing people, animals, as well as residential homes and hotels. A series of powerful forest fires has swept through the central and southern regio...
In August 2025, the country is experiencing massive wildfires that have temporarily forced people to forget about beach vacations and focus on rescuing people, animals, as well as residential buildings and hotels. A series of powerful forest fires has swept through the central and southern regions, becoming a warning sign not only for local residents but for all of Europe.
Fire hotspots and their spread
The first reports of fires in August 2025 quickly escalated into reports of a national disaster. The most critical situation developed in the central and southern parts of the country. The fires were recorded in the immediate vicinity of the capital, Podgorica, which led to the urgent evacuation of residents from some areas north of the city. Not only residential property was under threat, but also the ruins of the ancient city of Doclea, where army units were fighting desperately to preserve this important historical heritage. Senior emergency services officer Nikola Bojanovic called the situation “catastrophic,” emphasizing that strong winds were fanning the flames, making them practically uncontrollable.
The situation was no less alarming on the Adriatic coast, which is the country’s economic breadbasket. Fires were burning above the popular resort of Čanj, and between Bulyarica and Čanj the situation was especially critical. In one case, the fire came within just 50 meters of a hotel, putting the safety of tourists and infrastructure at risk. Authorities also reported active hotspots in other municipalities, including Budva, Bar, Nikšić, Šavnik and Bijelo Polje, indicating the unprecedented scale of the crisis that affected almost the entire country.
A small story of a great rescue
Against the backdrop of the overall tragedy, stories of courage and selflessness stood out. One of the most striking episodes took place on August 11 in the Kufin area, where a forest fire broke out dangerously close to an abandoned animal shelter. Despite the intense flames and extremely difficult conditions, the fire crews carried out a successful operation and did not let the fire reach the shelter, saving both the building itself and the animals inside. Fire brigade commander
Milan Milac
highly praised the actions of his subordinates, and the shelter owner, Dr. Alen Hadjetlic, gratefully noted the dogs’ calm behavior during the emergency.
This story shows how, in the conditions of a large-scale disaster affecting a vast area, every individual rescue matters enormously. The fire in Kufin, like the other blazes, was intensified by strong winds. This local factor, mentioned in the report on the shelter rescue, was confirmed at the national level, where officials named it one of the main causes of the “catastrophic” situation.
All available means were deployed in the fight against the fire, including aerial equipment. A vivid sign of the tension of those days was the photos and videos showing a firefighting helicopter drawing water from the Morača River in the Podgorica suburb of Stara Zlatica before returning to the fire hotspots. Such footage underlines that the battle against the elements was fought not only on the ground but also from the air, requiring maximum coordination and effort.
Causes of the August 2025 fire
Climate context: the European heat wave
The August fires in Montenegro became part of a broader and dangerous phenomenon — the European heat wave that swept across the continent. In southern France and the Western Balkans air temperature rose above 40°C, creating ideal conditions for the ignition and rapid spread of fire. This was not an isolated case: 2025 was predicted to be the second or third warmest year in recorded history. Scientists note that Europe is warming almost twice as fast as the rest of the world, leading to more frequent and more intense heat waves and, as a result, a record number of fires.
Local factors and historical vulnerability
Climate trends are compounded by Montenegro’s geographical features. According to experts, the country’s coastal and central regions are high-risk zones due to specific bioclimatic conditions, high summer temperatures, and low rainfall. This vulnerability is not a new problem. Over the past 15 years, 1,007 major forest fires have been recorded in Montenegro, destroying 15,300 acres of forest. The years 2000 and 2003 were especially critical, when in 2003 alone more than 300 fires broke out in the country, burning about 2,500 hectares of forest. These data indicate that the August 2025 events are not an anomaly, but a predictable result of the long-term combination of climatic and natural factors.
The human factor
Despite the obvious role of climate, the authorities do not rule out the human factor. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Montenegro has urged citizens to immediately report any fires to 112 or 123 (the general emergency and fire service number). It was separately emphasized that in the event of an intentional arson or reckless behavior, one should call the police at 122.
The authorities also reminded the public of the strict ban on lighting fires and using pyrotechnics, especially under heightened risk conditions. These appeals indicate that negligence or deliberate action may have been the trigger for some of the fires, making human behavior a critical element in preventing such tragedies.
International assistance: an example of solidarity
The scale of the disaster was so great that Montenegro turned to the international community for help through NATO’s Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre and the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The response was immediate:
Serbia sent a Ka-32 Kamov helicopter with a five-ton payload capacity to the country.
Croatia offered assistance in the form of a Canadair amphibious aircraft.
Operational assistance from neighbors became a powerful example of regional solidarity. In addition, the Government of Montenegro promised financial aid to affected citizens.
Useful information: what to do in case of a fire?
These events serve as a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness. Here are a few tips based on official recommendations:
Prevention. Clear the area around your home of dry grass, branches, and flammable items.
Prohibitions. Never light fires outdoors or throw cigarette butts in the forest.
During a fire. If the fire is approaching your home, close the windows and doors, remove anything that could catch fire, and cover your nose and mouth with a damp cloth to protect yourself from smoke.
Montenegro emergency numbers:
Emergency services number: 112.
Fire service: 123.
Police (to report suspected arson): 122.
Volunteer organizations: how you can help
Important: the direct involvement of untrained citizens in firefighting carries extreme risk and may hinder the work of professional teams. This is a widely accepted principle in disaster management. Fighting fire requires special training, appropriate equipment, and a deep understanding of fire behavior. For this reason, untrained individuals are strongly advised not to attempt to extinguish fires on their own.
Nevertheless, the Red Cross of Montenegro actively recruits volunteers to provide assistance not directly related to firefighting. Volunteers can help with providing food, organizing temporary housing, and offering emotional support to evacuees. You can apply to volunteer or donate through the special form on the website, providing your personal details and preferred areas of activity.
There are also initiative groups, which take part in firefighting. They need funds to buy respirators, protective suits, radios, and to pay for fuel for trips. If you would like to help, you can make a donation by contacting the administrator of the NISAM TURISTA initiative group.
August 2025 showed that even in the most beautiful and peaceful corner of the world, nature can reveal its harsh power. The main lesson is that we must prepare for such events in advance, and this applies not only to the authorities but to each of us.
