Large forest fire burns around three hectares near Vlasotince

A fire in the village of Gornja Lopušnja, near Vlasotince, has burned around three hectares of pine forest. The blaze began at about 1 p.m., according to the Leskovac police administration.

Firefighters from Leskovac were initially the only crews fighting the fire, and police said the terrain was difficult to access. Residents reported that the flames had moved toward the village cemetery and that four houses were burning, but police could not confirm those reports because communication with colleagues at the scene was difficult.

An informal student group from Vlasotince appealed on Instagram for more help. It called on fire services and volunteer brigades to send additional personnel, while asking residents to provide shovels, vegetation-clearing equipment, sprayers, water pumps, protective gear and first-aid supplies.

"The fire continues to grow and is swallowing the village. The terrain is inaccessible, and as many people as possible are needed to bring the fire under control," the students said. Firefighters from Leskovac continued working to contain the blaze, with authorities expected to provide further information about the situation and any buildings at risk.

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The fire continues to grow and is swallowing the village. The terrain is inaccessible, and as many people as possible are needed to bring the fire under control.