SARAJEVO, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is bracing for the peak of the ongoing heatwave by the middle of next week, with temperatures in the country's hottest areas expected to soar to 43 or 44 degrees Celsius, according to a weather bulletin released by the local meteorological agency on Friday.
Meteorologists noted that, unlike previous extreme heat episodes, the current heatwave will produce a perceived temperature much closer to the actual readings, as dry conditions and low humidity create highly favorable circumstances for the outbreak and spread of wildfires.
Before the advisory was issued, multiple regions across the country had already been hit by fires.
In Siroki Brijeg, firefighters battled a blaze on Friday that tore through grassland and scrub, at one point creeping dangerously close to residents. An air tractor water-bomber was brought in to help contain the flames from above.
Earlier in Teslic, a warehouse packed with wooden products went up in flames. More than 60 firefighters and 25 trucks from 10 brigades across the country joined the operation.
In a separate incident early Friday, a disused industrial building near a steel plant in Banja Luka also caught fire. Crews were quickly on the scene, and efforts to bring the situation under control continued through the day.
Local authorities called on residents to stay safe during the extreme heat and remain alert to the heightened risk of fires.
