The Foreign Office has issued a warning to Britons looking to get away to Croatia as tourists could face fines for acting inappropriately.
As the weather across the continent continues to show long spells of sunshine, large areas of shrubland are at risk of wildfires.
Temperatures across the country will breach 30C every day this week, reaching a maximum of 37C today.
In a fresh warning to Britons, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said wildfires can be “dangerous and unpredictable”.
The latest update issued just after 9.30am this morning said: “Wildfires are common during Croatia’s hot and dry summers.
“They can be highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly.
“Take care when visiting or driving through woodland and forest areas.
“If you see a fire, call the emergency services on 112.”
People sunbathe at the Zlatni Rat beach on the island of Brac, Croatia
REUTERS
The advice continued: “Be cautious if you are in or near an area affected by wildfires: follow the advice of local authorities and emergency services; call the Croatian emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger; for further information, see Croatia’s Civil Protection website.”
Despite the temptation to whip out the BBQ when temperatures rise, Britons have also been warned that doing so could lead to hefty fines.
“Intentionally causing a fire is illegal in Croatia and you could be fined 2,000 to 20,000 euros, or even given a prison sentence,” the FCDO warned.
“You could also be fined for unintentionally causing a fire.”
Firefighters try to extinguish the wildfire in Pisak, Croatia
REUTERS
The Foreign Office advises that to avoid starting wildfires, Britons should leave no litter, especially not glass, which is known to start fires.
It also advises not to light barbecues as it is illegal to set outdoor fires and barbecues in the country between June 1 and October 31, except in designated areas.
Britons should also properly extinguish cigarettes.
Fines in these cases have ranged from €260 (£221.65) to €1,200 (£1,023).
Firefighting jet sprays water over forest in Croatia
GETTY
In addition to the wildfire warning, Britons travelling to Croatia have also been warned about potential road closures and changes to public transport provision due to a planned concert in the capital, Zagreb.
The Foreign Office warned: “Many music festivals are held in Croatia each year. Follow the advice of police and local authorities when attending events and take care of your valuables if attending a festival or large concert. Find out how to enjoy festivals safely with the festival travel checklist.
“A large concert is planned to take place in the Zagreb Hippodrome on Saturday, July 5, with reportedly up to 500,000 attendees.
“Zagreb is likely to be busy the whole weekend. There are also likely to be road closures and changes to public transport provision.
“Check and follow police and local authorities’ advice when planning any journeys in, out and around the city that weekend.