Serbia declares emergency as wildfires spread to Bela Crkva

Wildfires have forced authorities in Bela Crkva, Serbia, to declare a state of emergency in the Trujino settlement and the villages of Kajtasovo and Grebenac. The fires, which originated in the Deliblatska Peščara nature reserve, have spread into these populated areas, posing a significant threat to people, property, and the environment.

The situation is particularly dire as the fires have been active for weeks. In a significant boost to firefighting capabilities, a Russian Ilyushin aircraft has joined the operation. This powerful aircraft can deliver 42 tons of water in a single flight, making it one of the world's most potent firefighting tools. The Ilyushin arrived in Niš on August 19 and began operations the following day, coordinating with Serbia's Interior Ministry helicopter unit.

The Deliblatska Peščara fires were first detected on July 21 and reportedly got out of control on August 5. Currently, over 3,500 hectares of forest and vegetation are ablaze. The declaration of a state of emergency underscores the severity of the ongoing crisis and the urgent need for effective containment measures.