Fire at Mostar landfill prompts evacuation; Mayor alleges arson

A severe fire has erupted at the Uborak landfill near Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, escalating the situation and posing a direct threat to nearby residential areas. The blaze, which reignited with significant intensity, has forced the authorities to issue an evacuation order for the affected population.

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This has elements of terrorism because an emergency situation has been declared, and someone has set a fire.

Mostar Mayor Mario Kordić declared that the fire was intentionally set, pointing to the ignition of tires as evidence of arson. He characterized the incident as having elements of terrorism, especially given that an emergency situation had already been declared. Kordić expressed grave concern for the safety of homes in the vicinity and highlighted the additional danger posed by a nearby fuel tank.

The mayor urged citizens to resist political manipulation and unite in identifying the perpetrators. He suggested that individuals were observed moving around the landfill throughout the night, potentially preparing to cause further problems. Evacuated residents are being relocated to the Salakovac reception center. Firefighters are on the scene, but their efforts are being hampered by strong north winds and the difficult circumstances.

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Homes are threatened, and the additional danger is that there is a fuel tank nearby.

Kordić also addressed the ongoing issue of "blockades" preventing waste from being transported to Uborak, noting that a truck had to be turned away that morning. He criticized certain groups for conducting a "campaign through the landfill," stating that the situation had become intolerable. The mayor lamented the lack of a comprehensive waste solution for the city and indicated that a serious police intervention might be necessary, as groups in the northern part of the city are obstructing waste transfer operations.

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We don't have a solution for waste right now. Groups in the northern part of the city are not allowing waste to be transferred. We will need serious police intervention.

He reiterated that police believe the landfill could not have spontaneously reignited, especially after firefighters had been present all night, and that tires were deliberately set ablaze this time. Kordić expressed frustration with political actors who he claims are blocking the landfill's remediation, preventing solutions from being implemented. He questioned the limits of such provocations, asking how one could set fire to a landfill situated near a populated area and expressed his own feelings of helplessness in the face of such actions. He called for justice and police action to punish those responsible and prevent future occurrences, stating that someone is clearly provoking this situation.

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It is unacceptable to set fire to a landfill where so many people live. How much longer? And you ask me if I feel responsible?! What should I do? Be up there and fight?!