NewKerala.com

Key Points

Wildfires in southern Bosnia have raged for six days, scorching vast areas near Trebinje. Firefighters and helicopters are working to contain the blaze, though shifting winds pose risks. Over 40 square kilometers of land have been destroyed, with ecological damage mounting. Authorities remain on high alert as the Balkan heatwave complicates firefighting efforts.

Key Points: Bosnia Wildfires Rage for Sixth Day Near Trebinje Despite Firefighting Efforts

  • Firefighters stabilize flames near Trebinje with helicopter support
  • Over 40 sq km burned, causing ecological damage
  • Shifting winds could reignite blaze despite containment
  • Heatwave complicates efforts as Balkan temperatures peak
2 min read

Wildfires continue in Bosnia

Wildfires in southern Bosnia continue for six days, threatening villages near Trebinje as firefighters and helicopters battle shifting winds and extreme heat.

"The situation is under control for now, but conditions could change rapidly due to wind. – Milos Vucurevic, Fire Commander"

Sarajevo, July 12

Wildfires in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina(BiH)'s Trebinje region have entered their sixth day, with flames still active in some mountainous areas and nearby villages, according to local authorities.

Local firefighting units, backed by helicopters from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Republika Srpska, one of the two entities of BiH, have managed to stabilise the situation, Xinhua news agency reported.

Officials confirmed that residential zones are currently not at risk, but warned that shifting winds could reignite the blaze.

Firefighting forces from neighboring cities, including Trebinje, Bileca, Nevesinje, and Herceg Novi remain deployed, alongside volunteers and local residents. The fire near the main road to Bileca has been largely contained.

More than 40 square km of land have been scorched, with significant ecological damage reported.

Milos Vucurevic, a local firefighting unit commander, said the situation is under control for now, but conditions could change rapidly due to wind.

The fire is burning near the village of Jasen, but there is no threat to lives or property till now.

Authorities are preparing for a larger operation to fully extinguish the remaining fire lines.

The heat wave gripping the Balkans is expected to ease in the coming days, meteorologists said last week, as authorities continue to battle wildfires across the region.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, temperatures were forecast to peak, complicating efforts to control a forest fire near residential areas in the southern city of Trebinje.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya M
The firefighters and volunteers are real heroes! Similar to how our Indian firefighters worked tirelessly during the Kerala floods. Wishing safety for all responders and residents.
A
Amit K
Why isn't there more international help? When Australia had wildfires, many countries sent aid. Bosnia deserves the same support. 40 sq km is massive destruction!
S
Sunita R
The ecological damage will take decades to recover. We need to learn from these incidents - in India too we're seeing more extreme weather events. Time for serious climate action!
V
Varun P
Respectfully, while this is tragic, I wish our media gave equal coverage to disasters in our own Northeast states. International news gets more attention than local tragedies sometimes.
N
Neha G
The heat wave connection is worrying. Same thing happening across Europe while we're dealing with extreme monsoons. Mother Nature is sending us clear signals 🌍
K
Karan T
Good to hear residential areas are safe. Hope they can fully contain it soon. Maybe India could share some of our disaster management expertise - we've dealt with similar situations.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50