Helicopters scheduled to assist in extinguishing fires spreading near Srebrenica, specifically in the village of Luka, were unable to take off due to strong winds, confirmed local resident Hamo Zulanovic to N1.

As Zulanovic previously stated, the fire, which is seriously advancing towards homes in the village of Luka, was expected to be tackled today by helicopters from the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the RS services, the RS Civil Protection, Serbia, and SFOR.

“I was informed that the helicopter from the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina couldn't take off from Rajlovac due to strong winds, and the same situation applies to the helicopter from Serbia. I’ve asked the authorities for a water tanker and backpack extinguishers so that we, along with the locals, can try to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading further,” said Zulanovic.

Given that the fire had been threatening two houses, which are uninhabited, and a nearby barn since Friday—acting as a kind of barrier to the fire’s further spread—Zulanovic told us that they burned down last night.

“Ten minutes ago, I received a call from locals who tried to save the two houses and the barn with their bare hands, but they couldn’t succeed. They are now evacuating from the area because the fire is massive, and it’s crucial they remain safe,” he added.

When asked if local firefighters would come to help, given that the helicopters couldn't, Zulanović couldn't confirm with certainty.

“I don’t see any firefighters on the ground yet; they’re waiting for a shift, they don’t have enough fuel or resources. I hope they’ll help us. We’re still waiting for the water tanker to be delivered so we can start extinguishing the fire,” Zulanović said.

It’s important to note that locals and firefighters have been battling the fire for days as it continues to spread through the village of Luka in Srebrenica.

On several occasions, helicopters from the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina and RS services intervened, but without success.

Locals say the temperatures are lower today, and rain is forecasted for later in the afternoon. However, with strong winds already preventing much-needed assistance from reaching Srebrenica, they hope the rain will come sooner before it’s too late.