Moldova issues heatwave warning and fire danger alert
Starting on Saturday, August 17, and continuing until August 21, temperatures in the Republic of Moldova are expected to rise to as high as 37 degrees Celsius.
In response, the State Hydrometeorological Service has issued an orange heatwave warning for the central and southern districts of the country. Additionally, meteorologists have issued a yellow fire danger warning, which is valid from August 17 to 23.
According to the State Hydrometeorological Service (SHS), in the northern regions of the country, maximum air temperatures are expected to reach up to 35 degrees Celsius, while in the central and southern regions, temperatures may climb to 37 degrees Celsius. In certain areas, nighttime minimum temperatures are not expected to drop below 20 degrees Celsius.
The SHS notes that over the next seven days, a widespread exceptional fire danger of natural origin will persist across large areas.
In this context, the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU) urges the public to strictly adhere to fire safety regulations.
"Under conditions of low humidity and high temperatures, any uncontrolled ignition source can lead to large-scale fires. Special attention must be paid to children to prevent them from playing with fire and thereby causing emergencies," the cited source warns.
Additionally, under high temperatures and low humidity, the IGSU advises citizens to avoid using open flames near cereal fields and recreational areas to prevent vegetation fires that could affect large areas.
Citizens are urged not to set fire to dry vegetation or discard cigarette butts, matches, or other burning objects near forested areas.
In the event of an emergency, the public is advised to contact the 112 emergency service.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
