Balkan Wildfires Rage, Threatening Homes and Nature Reserves

Wildfires are raging across the Balkan region, with firefighters working tirelessly to contain blazes that threaten populated areas. Serbia is experiencing the most critical situation, with firefighting efforts concentrated on two major fires: one in the Deliblatska Peszczara nature reserve and another on Stolovi mountain near Kraljevo.

The fire in the Deliblatska Peszczara reserve had already consumed approximately 700 hectares by Friday. Residents of the nearby village of Sumarak were evacuated as flames approached their homes. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, a fire near Trebinje has been brought under control, though it persists in difficult-to-access terrain without threatening homes. However, fires along the border with Croatia have caused significant damage, particularly in the Grude municipality.

Croatia has also seen multiple fires, with firefighters responding to three incidents on the Istrian peninsula. Meanwhile, in Bulgaria, a fire near Slawowica, about 70 km from Sofia, spread rapidly from a highway to grasslands and vineyards. This blaze, covering about 200 hectares, required both ground crews and military aircraft. Traffic on a section of the A1 highway was disrupted, and authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.