Sweden struggling with wildfires
Sweden has called for assistance after at least 11 wildfires are struggling to be contained within the Arctic circle.
Sweden has called for assistance after at least 11 wildfires are struggling to be contained within the Arctic circle. The unusually hot weather has meant that fires have spread in Sweden, Norway, Finland and Russia.
Norway has already sent six fire-fighting helicopters to try and contain the blazes in Sweden, which has disrupted train services and caused the evacuation of four communities, while Italy has pledged two Canadair CL-415sCanadair CL-415s to Örebro in the Hälsingland region.
“This is definitely the worst year in recent times for forest fires. Whilst we get them every year, 2018 is shaping up to be excessive,” said Mike Peacock, a university researcher and local resident.
Authorities in Sweden have warned that the risk of fires is set to continue, with the temperature remaining at around 30 degrees centigrade.