Fierce Forest Fires in Montenegro

Fires at Herceg Novi, as viewed from the campsite! Photos by Nick

Last night the fires spread to the hill we were camping on. Still probably 3 miles from us, up and over a ridge but the virility of the luminescent flames devouring the shrub land above us was not a welcome accompaniment to dinner. 

Everyone was on high alert with bags packed ready for the evacuation call. A restless night later - you could hear the fire at points it was that close - and no evacuation yet, but there is ash on the tent!.


Thanks to Steve who got about an hours sleep and spent the night monitoring the movements, walking the hills, speaking with the firefighters who were there all night. The fires are still burning tonight for our last night so fingers crossed all will be under control. It brings it home when you are staying with lovely people like Denise and Steve, whose whole livelihood is at stake. If we have to evacuate, at worst we'll lose the tent if we have to move quickly, they'll lose their home, their business and everything they've invested and worked for for 11years. It makes you come close to understanding the mentality of those people who stay to try and defend their homes.

Help arrives on our final morning. Three water dropping planes put on a show! Photos by Nick

Morning and the cavalry came in the form of three water bombers flying repeatedly from 8am. Like a mini-airshow to round of the adrenaline rush of the last few days. I don't think I ever want to be that close to a forest fire again. Let's hope that's the last of them...