If we had a nickel for every time a baja in Europe was postponed this summer due to wildfires, we would have two nickels—which isn’t a lot, but it’s bleak that it happened twice, right?

After two large fires broke out Wednesday morning on the outskirts of Várpalota and the surrounding area, the Hungarian Baja organizers announced the race will not take place as scheduled. It was supposed to run this weekend, August 13–15. A new date was not immediately revealed.

“The situation has been further compounded by the extreme temperatures of recent weeks and the prolonged lack of rainfall over the past several months, resulting in an exceptionally high fire risk throughout the region,” reads a statement from the organization. “In light of today’s events, and following consultations with the relevant authorities and emergency services, we have jointly decided that the HunGarian Baja will not take place as scheduled. The event will be postponed to a later date, which has yet to be confirmed.

“We fully recognize the considerable inconvenience and disruption this decision will cause. Many competitors are travelling from abroad and have spent months preparing for the event. The organisers, teams, officials, partners, volunteers and supporters have also invested an extraordinary amount of time, effort and commitment in making the weekend possible.

“Nevertheless, no sporting event – regardless of its significance – can take precedence over human life, public safety and the protection of the natural environment. Just as we have worked together to build an exceptional event, we must now demonstrate the same unity and shared sense of responsibility in responding to these extraordinary circumstances.

“We have a duty of care towards our competitors, spectators, officials, volunteers, local residents and everyone involved in the event. We also have a responsibility to protect the surrounding environment. Under the current conditions, we cannot accept the possibility that staging the rally could – even unintentionally – increase the risk of further fires or environmental damage.

“We deeply regret that circumstances have led to this outcome. We understand that, for many of you, the HunGarian Baja represents far more than a single competition: it is the culmination of an entire year of preparation, hard work and anticipation.

“We sincerely thank you for your understanding, patience and support for this responsible decision during such a challenging time. Further information regarding the rescheduled date will be communicated as soon as it becomes available.”

Wildfires have ravaged Europe all summer, especially in France and Spain, accelerated by the ongoing extreme heat waves. The latter’s fires forced the Baja Aragón to be pushed from its usual July slot to September 11–13.

In Hungary, heat and drought have resulted in record-low water levels on the Danube. Prime minister Péter Magyar announced measures on Wednesday to raise them by building a bed sill, hoping it would keep the country’s only nuclear power plant running safely.

The Hungarian Baja was supposed to be the next round on the FIA European Baja Cup after Aragón. Now, Baja Poland on August 27–30 has been moved up from the sixth race to the fourth.

Featured image credit: Toyota Gazoo Racing Czech