Serbia wildfire: Journalists decry lack of information, citizen involvement in firefighting

Journalists and local media representatives are raising concerns about the handling of a wildfire in Serbia's Deliblatska Pescara, citing poor communication and restricted access for both the public and the press. Darko Gligorijević, a journalist from "Zumera," stated that police "effectively kicked us out" of the area after a press conference, questioning why access would be denied if the fire was truly under control.

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We couldn't get close. What they told us was that it was for our safety. If the fire is under control, why can't we get close?

Violeta Živkov, editor-in-chief of "Kovinskinfo," echoed these sentiments, noting that citizens are often the ones fighting the fire with their own machinery and manpower to protect their village and property. She recounted being denied access to the area despite offering to show identification, and that reports of the road being opened were false.

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I asked the police station this morning if I could go see what was happening, with or without identification, it doesn't matter, I was told 'absolutely not, they won't let you past Gaj.'

Živkov highlighted that the situation is complicated by a severe lack of information from official institutions. "Our main source of information is citizens who are directly on the ground or manage to break through," she explained. While the fire was reportedly brought under control with smaller hotspots extinguished overnight, the lack of independent verification due to media restrictions remains a point of contention. Residents are reportedly growing restless, with some instances of conflict arising.

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The situation is very complicated because information is missing. Communication with the public is very bad, not just from the ministry, it's very difficult for us locally to find out what's happening. Our main source of information is citizens who are directly on the ground or manage to break through.

Locals in Dubovac have taken matters into their own hands, using their own equipment to stop the fire from reaching the village. However, they report that burning wood pieces created ash that fell into nearby yards containing hay, posing a risk of further spread. This situation underscores the challenges faced in managing the wildfire and communicating effectively with the public.

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The fire has currently only been extinguished.