Strong winds and smoke hamper Serbia wildfire fight; Deliblatska Peščara stable

Serbia is currently contending with several active wildfires, the most critical of which are raging in Deliblatska Peščara and the Stolovi mountains. International assistance, including helicopters from the EU and a Russian "Il-76" aircraft, has been deployed to aid in the firefighting operations.

The situation in Deliblatska Peščara, specifically in the Šušara area, has significantly improved. Reports indicate calmer conditions with minimal wind, although authorities caution that wind direction and intensity can change rapidly, posing an ongoing challenge. The smoke has dispersed, making breathing easier, though the smell of burning persists in Šušara. Toni Fodor, president of the local community, expressed pride in the residents' response, calling the fire the village's "biggest catastrophe" and highlighting the residents' composure and the actions of local volunteers who are being hailed as "new heroes."

“

The biggest catastrophe in the history of the village, one might say. Believe me, even today we are not aware of how our village was not burned down.

Despite the stabilization, emergency crews remain on the ground, working to extinguish the remaining embers and douse the perimeter with water to prevent new outbreaks should the wind strengthen. Meanwhile, the fire on the Stolovi mountains remains uncontrolled. Strong winds, which persisted overnight, and thick smoke are severely complicating the efforts of firefighters and rescuers. Aerial support, including the Russian "Il-76" plane, was deployed on the previous day, but the challenging conditions continue to hinder progress. Fortunately, the towns of Maglič and the Ibar highway are not currently threatened by the fires.

The involvement of EU helicopters and the Russian aircraft underscores the severity of the situation and the need for specialized equipment and personnel to combat these large-scale fires. The focus remains on controlling the blazes while mitigating risks to nearby communities and natural areas.

“

We have guys, about ten to fifteen, who are our new heroes of the village.