Active Wildfire Threatens Villages Near Trebinje; Homes Defended

A significant wildfire is actively burning in Popovo Polje, near Trebinje in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The blaze, with a fire line stretching approximately five kilometers, advanced overnight towards the villages of Sedlari, Grmljani, and Poljice, according to local reports. Firefighters are engaged in efforts to protect residential areas and ensure road access remains open.

Officials describe the situation as difficult but currently under control. Saša Burani from the Trebinje Territorial Firefighting and Rescue Unit stated that fires are threatening homes in Donji Grmljani, with crews actively on the ground. The remote and inaccessible nature of much of the terrain complicates firefighting operations.

Adding to the danger, the area was formerly a demarcation line, raising concerns about the presence of unexploded ordnance. This poses an additional significant risk to the firefighters working to contain the blaze. Only small off-road vehicles can access the more difficult parts of the affected region.

The fire's progression and the hazardous conditions highlight the ongoing challenges faced by emergency services in the region. Efforts are concentrated on preventing further spread and safeguarding the affected communities.