Bar, Montenegro | Alexandra Zakharova

Aviation of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine dumped 72 tons of water on a forest fire in Montenegro over the past day, reported the press service of the State Emergency Service.

"During the last day of July 20, the aviation of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine was extinguishing a forest fire near the town of Herceg Novi on the Adriatic Sea coast in Montenegro," the report says.

It is noted that as of 7:00 am on July 21, the An-32P aircraft of the Ukraine’s Emergency Service dumped 72 tons of water on the forest fire. A total of 168 tons of water was dumped since the beginning of the rescue works.

Several wildfires have erupted in Southeast Europe and are said to have been caused by arson. As firefighters battle to contain them, the fires may not be fully contained quickly due to the extremely high temperatures.

Firefighters used aircraft to try to tackle the flames, which continued overnight in both Croatia and neighboring Montenegro. The military was also called in to help in both countries. Montenegro also requested NATO's assistance.

Forest fires are common in southern Europe each summer, and can sometimes be caused by reckless tourists. However, there have also been cases where speculators have deliberately set fire to properties seeking new land to build on.

Europe has been experiencing an unusual heat wave this summer, with temperatures approaching record levels in many places. Earlier in May, sources said that prolonged heat, including several dangerous heat waves, will be a major issue across southern and eastern Europe throughout the summer which might cause major problems among which is forest fires.