Serbia battles 10 active fires, Gornji Brestovac blaze under control

Serbia is grappling with multiple wildfires across the country, with Interior Minister Ivica Dačić reporting 10 active blazes. The most critical situation is unfolding in Deliblatska Peščara, where approximately 2,000 hectares have been engulfed. Despite the scale, Dačić assured that all villages remain safe in this high-risk area, which has experienced significant fires in recent decades.

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There are two big problems. One is open fires, the other is the lowest water level of the Danube in more than 100 years.

Adding to the challenges, Serbia faces its lowest Danube water levels in over a century, complicating firefighting operations. A firefighting vessel has been deployed to secure water resources. Fires are also burning near Kraljevo on Stolovi mountain, affecting about 200 hectares of difficult terrain, and near Bujanovac, also impacting around 200 hectares. In the latter case, unexploded ordnance from the 1990s wars poses a danger to helicopter operations.

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This is an extremely risky territory that has been exposed to extremely large fires in the last 20, 30 years.

Meanwhile, a fire in Gornji Brestovac, covering about 100 hectares, is reportedly under control and expected to be localized. Dačić stated that no properties or residents are threatened by these fires, emphasizing the ongoing efforts of emergency sector personnel, supported by equipment and helicopters where feasible.

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All villages are safe.