Over a third of Serbia's Deliblatska Peščara burned as winds spread flames

A significant portion of Serbia's Deliblatska Peščara, a unique sandy steppe ecosystem, has been consumed by fire, with Interior Minister Ivica Dačić reporting that over a third of the area is now burned. The situation remains difficult, with 45 active fires reported across the country.

Dačić described the fire at Deliblatska Peščara as the most severe, impacting 3,600 hectares. He explained that strong winds caused the flames to cross a firebreak measuring 120 meters at its widest point. "We are fighting to prevent the fire from spreading to the rest of Deliblatska Peščara and to protect all settlements," Dačić stated, emphasizing that while residents are safe, the timeline for extinguishing the fire remains uncertain.

Of the burned area within Deliblatska Peščara, 37% was forested, with the remainder consisting of sandy dunes and low vegetation. Meanwhile, Luka Čaušić, head of the Sector for Emergency Situations, reported that the situation at Stolovi mountain near Kraljevo remains unchanged. Due to the inaccessible terrain, the fire there cannot be declared localized or fully under control, despite the absence of visible flames.

The efforts to combat the widespread fires highlight the challenges faced by emergency services in Serbia, particularly in difficult terrain and under adverse weather conditions. The protection of natural habitats and populated areas remains the top priority.

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We are fighting to prevent the fire from spreading to the rest of Deliblatska Peščara and to protect all settlements.