Fires continue to rage across Serbia; Spread of wildfires in Deliblato Sands and Stolovi halted

“Compared with yesterday, the situation has not changed significantly, which means that we are not seeing any major spread of the fires either in the Deliblato Sands or in the Stolovi area. Most importantly, there are no residents or settlements at risk at either location, and that is our operational priority,” Milenković told RTS.

According to him, the fact that there has been no significant change in the spread of the fires compared with yesterday is a positive sign.

“That gives us time to continue with everything we have tactically planned, primarily the creation of firebreaks in the Deliblato Sands, so that we can proceed without interruption,” Milenković said.

He noted that 23 wildfires were active across Serbia on Monday afternoon, adding that the fire in the municipality of Bojnik, where several hectares of low vegetation were affected, was brought under control very quickly.

Milenković said firefighters carried out two interventions in the Toplica District and also responded to incidents in the Bor District.

Speaking about the situation in the Deliblato Sands and the Stolovi area near Kraljevo, Milenković said that a large number of personnel and material and technical resources had been deployed to fight the fires.

He said that members of the fire and rescue units, the Serbian Armed Forces, Srbijavode, Vojvodinašume and volunteer fire departments were engaged in the Deliblato Sands.

“We must not forget the Helicopter Unit either. During the day yesterday alone, MIA personnel made 48 sorties over the Deliblato Sands. As for the Stolovi area, we deployed a Kamov Ka-32 helicopter from the Helicopter Unit, and we expect the helicopter unit to operate over Stolovi again. These are two very challenging operations that have been ongoing for several days,” Milenković said.

He added that the terrain is the main factor making firefighters’ work more difficult, noting that in large parts of the Deliblato Sands, fire engines, trucks and even off-road vehicles are unable to gain access.

Milenković also explained that the sandy terrain prevents firefighters from reaching the hotspots and tackling the fire directly.

“High concentrations of smoke and combustion products, as well as heat, are all complicating factors. But there are no residents at risk and no loss of life. That speaks volumes about the effectiveness not only of the work of the Emergency Situations Sector, but also of the other forces involved, as we have managed to protect human lives even under such conditions,” Milenković stressed.

He said firefighters deployed to the area had reported that cliffs, steep slopes and inclines of up to 75 degrees were also making operations more difficult, preventing them from approaching the fire directly. For this reason, he said, the involvement of the Interior Ministry’s Helicopter Unit is of great importance.

Milenković said that the past night was calm in the city of Belgrade when it comes to fires, although an increased number of wildfires had been recorded in previous days.

“Thanks to timely responses, all of the fires are brought under control, and there are no residents at risk. The Belgrade Fire and Rescue Brigade is heavily engaged in the Deliblato Sands, but the city of Belgrade is safe and protected when it comes to fire safety,” Milenković said.