Wildfire Map Spotlight: Southeast Europe Wildfires

What is the name and location of the wildfire?

As of August 14, 2025, the Southeast Europe Wildfires are devastating Greece, Albania, Bulgaria, Montenegro, and Turkey amid a severe heatwave.

In Greece, the Patras Wildfire is burning in the Achaia region on the Peloponnese peninsula, near the city of Patras. Bulgaria’s Strumyani Wildfire is along its southern borders with Greece and Turkey (1).

Albania’s Bulqiza Wildfires are in the central Elbasan district, while Montenegro’s Podgorica Wildfire is north of the capital, threatening the ancient city of Duklja.

For a more detailed view, see the fire and air quality map of Southeast Europe.

Wildfire map of Southeastern Europe (as of Aug 14, 2025, 11 AM PT). Source: IQAir.

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfires?

The wildfires have directly impacted the following areas:

• Bulqiza, Albania
• Dubrovnik, Croatia
• Duklja, Montenegro
• Gramsh, Albania
• Kryoneri, Greece
• Mostar, Bosnia
• Patras, Greece
• Podgorica, Montenegro
• Split, Croatia
• Strumyani, Bulgaria

Homes, forests, and farmland have been destroyed, with thick smoke affecting air quality in Patras and Bulqiza. Fires near Patras have incinerated vehicles and olive groves (2).

What is the current containment status of the wildfires?

The containment efforts are ongoing amid extreme conditions. Greece’s Patras Wildfire remains active, with 5,000 firefighters and 33 aircraft deployed, facing flare-ups from 34°C (94°F) heat and winds. Bulgaria’s Strumyani Wildfire is partially controlled, with 100 firefighters and Swedish aircraft battling reignited blazes.

Albania has subdued most of 40 fires, but over a dozen persist in Bulqiza (3). Montenegro’s Podgorica Wildfire is catastrophic, with army support.

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Evacuations are widespread. In Greece, 7,700 people near Patras and villages on Zakynthos and Chios were evacuated. Albania evacuated thousands from Bulqiza and Gramsh, with alerts for smoke inhalation.

Montenegro evacuated families north of Podgorica. Bulgaria issued maximum fire danger alerts, with evacuations in Strumyani.

Croatia defended homes near Split with alerts active. Residents are urged to stay indoors to avoid hazardous smoke (4).

How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?

Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.

• Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
• Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
• Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke.
• Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
• Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.