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Serbia battles 12 wildfires; minister suspects arson
🇷🇸 Serbia /Disasters & Emergencies

Serbia battles 12 wildfires; minister suspects arson

From N1 Serbia · () Serbian

Translated from Serbian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Serbia is battling 12 active wildfires, with the interior minister suspecting arson in some cases.
  • Approximately 1,400 outdoor fires have been recorded since August 5, with Deliblatska Pescara facing the most challenging conditions.
  • Authorities are deploying significant resources to combat the fires, but legal classification of suspected arson remains a challenge.

Serbia is currently grappling with 12 active wildfires across the country, prompting Interior Minister Ivica Dacic to voice suspicions of deliberate arson. Since August 5, the nation has recorded around 1,400 outdoor fires.

The most critical situation is unfolding in Deliblatska Pescara, where the extremely difficult terrain poses significant challenges. To combat the blaze there, approximately 300 personnel, 72 vehicles, 37 pieces of machinery, and a firefighting vessel have been deployed. Dacic assured that nearby settlements are safe and that local residents are assisting firefighters.

The problem is in the legal classification of these acts

— Ivica DacicInterior Minister Ivica Dacic explaining the legal challenges in prosecuting suspected arson cases related to the wildfires.

However, Dacic highlighted a legal hurdle: while suspicions of arson are strong, prosecutors may classify such acts as negligence rather than criminal offenses. "The problem is in the legal classification of these acts," he stated, explaining that the emergency management sector does not determine legal qualifications. The Interior Ministry can file reports, but the final decision rests with prosecutors.

The Interior Ministry can file a report, but prosecutors ultimately decide whether a criminal offence has been committed.

— Ivica DacicInterior Minister Ivica Dacic clarifying the roles of the ministry and prosecutors in handling suspected criminal offenses.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by N1 Serbia in Serbian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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