Wildfire threatens communities in Prozor-Rama, international support mobilized

“The scenes from Prozor-Rama last night looked very grim. The situation hasn't improved on Friday either, and all available municipal resources are now deployed in the field to protect populated areas,” said Pero Pavlovic, spokesperson for the Government of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton and the Cantonal Civil Protection Headquarters.

So far, no residential or commercial properties have been affected, but ground crews are working continuously to contain the fire and prevent further spread.

An air tractor was deployed on Thursday, and as of 7 am Friday, a helicopter from the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina joined firefighting efforts.

“Joint forces are working to suppress the fire and halt its spread. Our colleagues from the Prozor-Rama municipality, through our operations centre, have requested international assistance via the Civil Protection and Firefighting Administration. All prerequisites have been met, and as we speak, I can confirm that one or two Canadair firefighting aircraft from the Republic of Croatia are expected to arrive soon to assist,” Pavlovic explained.

Complicating the situation, a second, smaller fire has broken out on the opposite side of the municipality, near the road toward Kupres.

Difficult terrain is further hindering ground access to the fire zones, making aerial support crucial.

“We are counting on air support and hope the helicopters and Canadairs will help contain the blaze and prevent greater damage,” he added.

The spokesperson described the fire zone as "apocalyptic" and said it is currently impossible to estimate the full extent of the damage accurately.