Fires spread across Serbia

Fires spread across Serbia

Nonetheless, new ones have started in other locations in the area. The 100 hectare stretch of pine forest near the Temska village is in danger of a complete devastation.

Attempts at extinguishing the blaze have been almost futile due to the thick smoke, since firefighters are not equipped with oxygen supplies and gas masks.

Owing to the nature of the terrain, firefighting vehicles cannot reach the field, so that the process is being conducted manually.

The Environment Ministry says it has undertaken all necessary measures to localize and put out the series of fires. Fifty hectares of pine forest have thus far been ravaged.

Environment Minister Saša Dragin told B92 that at the moment 3,000 firefighters have been engaged on numerous sites across Serbia hit by fires.

“The massive fire on Stara mountain is the worst ever in Serbia’s recent history. We have asked for support from the Serbian military in manpower and equipment and I have talked to defense Minister Dragan Šutanovac,” Dragin said.