Wildfire Forces Evacuation of Serbian Villages as Flames Approach

A significant wildfire is raging in Serbia's Deliblatska Peščara nature reserve, engulfing an estimated 700 hectares of high brush and pine canopies. The fire's rapid advance has forced authorities to initiate the preventive evacuation of residents from the Čardak and Šumarak settlements as flames approach dangerously close.

Ivan Tešić, spokesperson for the "Banat" Forest Estate, reported that the fire is now only about 100 meters from the Čardak tourist complex and settlement, while also spreading towards the Šumarak weekend settlement. All available ground forces and heavy machinery have been redirected to defend the threatened areas.

“

Helicopters are on standby and fully ready, but they cannot currently extinguish the fire due to thunderstorms and dense black smoke that significantly reduces visibility. On the other hand, eight heavy machines – tracked vehicles and bulldozers – are continuously creating firebreaks to stop the further spread of the fire.

Firefighting operations are being conducted under extremely difficult conditions. Thunderstorms and dense black smoke are significantly reducing visibility, preventing helicopter support. Despite this, eight heavy tracked machines and bulldozers are continuously working to create firebreaks in an attempt to halt the fire's spread. Firefighters are reportedly exhausted, having worked for two days with minimal rest.

The situation in Deliblatska Peščara is described as rapidly changing, with emergency services continuing their intervention on the ground. The proximity of the fire to populated areas and the challenging weather conditions underscore the urgency and difficulty of the ongoing efforts to protect lives, property, and the valuable forest ecosystem.

“

People are sufficient, but they are at the end of their strength. They have been working almost without rest for two days.