Wildfires Sweep Southern Region

Hundreds of wildfires burned across southern Europe, which remained in the grip of a heat wave that has driven temperatures as high as 120 degrees. The sizzling weather accompanied the worst drought to strike the Balkans in 50 years, which has already caused record crop losses since it began in late May. Ambulances patrolled the streets in southern Romanian cities to pick up people who had fainted in the 106-degree heat. About 100 fires were still burning in Romania despite successful efforts by crews to put out 98 other fires, authorities said. In Italy, wildfires in the southern Gargano region consumed hundreds of acres of forest. Wildfires have also raged in many areas of Croatia during the last three weeks.