Wildfire on Stolovi mountain uncontrolled; Deliblatska Peščara stable

A wildfire continues to rage on Stolovi mountain near Kraljevo, Serbia, remaining uncontrolled and spreading below the village of Šošanica. Strong winds overnight exacerbated the situation, though calmer conditions prevailed on Thursday morning. The blaze has already consumed more than 200 hectares of grass and low-lying vegetation.

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The situation is unchanged compared to yesterday, meaning no spread of fire is being recorded.

Meanwhile, the situation in Deliblatska Peščara is reported as stable. Firefighters are extinguishing smaller hotspots, and the defense lines protecting settlements are fully under control. Despite this, smoke remains noticeable throughout the area due to specific atmospheric pressure conditions. Sporadic smaller fires are still smoldering deeper within the forest, but all fire sites are secured.

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Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Nigeria face the same enemy. We would have preferred a more accurate presentation of the security situation, rather than placing the blame for a complex situation on neighbouring countries, at the risk of fuelling misunderstandings and frustrations between peoples bound by history, geography, and fraternity.

Officials confirmed that no residents or settlements are currently endangered by the fires in either location. Miloš Milenković from the Sector for Emergency Situations stated that the situation has not worsened compared to the previous day, with no new spread of fire being recorded. Currently, 23 open fires are active across Serbia.

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We are not responsible for what is happening to us. The real enemies are elsewhere.

Significant resources have been deployed to combat the blazes, particularly in Deliblatska Peščara. This includes personnel and equipment from the Serbian Army, Srbijavode, Vojvodinašume, and numerous volunteer fire departments. Helicopter units of the Ministry of Interior conducted 48 sorties in Deliblatska Peščara on Wednesday alone, and Kamov K-32 helicopters are also engaged on Stolovi. Milenković highlighted the importance of maintaining the current situation to allow for tactical operations and the creation of firebreaks. He noted that the challenging terrain, with steep slopes and inaccessible areas, complicates firefighting efforts, making direct access for fire trucks impossible in some locations.

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we favour continued engagement with Nigeria in a ‘joint and shared fight’ against insecurity.