Wildfires spread across Bosnia and Herzegovina, several areas remain critical

Fire spreads across mine-suspected area near Bihac

A wildfire that broke out overnight in the Pljesevica area near Bihac, in Bosnia's northwest, continues to spread, with the biggest obstacle being the fact that the fire is burning inside a mine-suspected area, preventing firefighters from directly reaching the fire line from the ground.

The mayor of the Una-Sana Canton, Ibrahim Dizdaric, held emergency meetings on Sunday morning and requested full coordination between the Una-Sana Cantonal Civil Protection Administration, firefighters and other competent services. He also requested the urgent deployment of a helicopter from the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina to fight the fire from the air.

Firefighters from Bihac and employees of the Unsko-sanske sume company are currently at the scene. According to information from the field, the fire is surrounded by minefields. Firefighters have been instructed by BHMAC and demining teams not to enter the suspected area near the runway of the former Zeljava airport.

Beco Behrem, shift commander of the Bihac Fire Department, said firefighters are waiting for the fire to reach an area outside the mine-suspected zone where they can safely intervene.

The Civil Protection Service of the City of Bihac said the fire was reported shortly after midnight, after which firefighters carried out a reconnaissance of the area. Because of the inaccessible and mine-suspected terrain, immediate firefighting was not possible.

A firefighting team was sent to the area in the morning and, together with forestry fire crews from the Bihac Forestry Office, is working to slow the fire's spread from safe positions along a forest road. As the fire is spreading toward the border with Croatia, firefighters from Korenica have also been informed and are expected to act from the Croatian side.

Multiple fires reported across Una-Sana Canton

Several other wildfires have been active in Una-Sana Canton in recent days. Firefighters intervened in 11 fires in a single day, according to Radio Television of Una-Sana Canton.

In Bosanski Petrovac, residents have reported a fire on Mount Grmec and called on authorities to respond urgently. Several fires have also been reported in the Cazin area, where firefighters are responding to incidents, particularly those threatening residential buildings and residents' property.

In the Sasina area near Sanski Most, a wildfire remains a serious threat. The most difficult situation is currently near the Sasina Church, where the fire is spreading through forest and low vegetation, threatening nature and surrounding property.

Electricity supplies in the area have also been suspended because of the fire. Civil Protection teams remain on the ground and are working to bring the fire under control.

Authorities in Sanski Most have again urged residents not to light fires outdoors, burn grass, weeds or plant waste, or throw cigarette butts and other flammable objects into nature or along roads.

Bosansko Grahovo fire continues to threaten Dinaric region

The situation at the large wildfire in the area of Bosansko Grahovo remains difficult. The fire, which has been active for several days, has spread toward the Croatian side of Dinara.

Marino Vidovic of the Civil Protection Administration of Herzeg-Bosnia Canton told FENA that authorities are trying to secure an air tractor, although its availability depends on the situation at other fire sites.

Available aerial resources are primarily being directed toward areas where people and property are directly threatened. On the ground in Bosansko Grahovo, firefighters and other emergency personnel continue fighting the fire.

Employees of the Forestry Office, members of the Korita Volunteer Fire Department and municipal Civil Protection were engaged at the site on Sunday morning. Vidovic warned that the people who have been fighting the fire for days on large and difficult terrain are exhausted.

An Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina helicopter joined the firefighting effort on Friday. The situation worsened on Saturday when the fire spread from the Risovac and Dinara areas across the state border into Croatia, where Canadair firefighting aircraft operated in the border area.

The Mountaineering and Ecological Society “Veliki bat” from Bosansko Grahovo has appealed to authorities to take all available measures to save Mount Dinara. The organization says the fire, burning since August 6, has already destroyed more than 1,000 hectares of high forest.

The group says the fire is spreading on both sides of the border, destroying endemic plant species, habitats of protected and endangered wildlife and the wider ecosystem. It is calling for stronger aerial support and urgent coordinated assistance.

Fire near Tomislavgrad under control

A wildfire that broke out Saturday in the Prisika area near Tomislavgrad and spread toward Kazaginac has been brought under control following the intervention of firefighters and an air tractor, Marino Vidovic of the Canton 10 Civil Protection Administration told FENA.

The situation had become serious as the fire approached houses and a gas station. Professional firefighters from Tomislavgrad and Livno, together with forestry workers, took part in the operation.

The air tractor made four to five water drops and played an important role in bringing the fire under control. Croatian authorities had also expressed readiness to provide additional aerial support, including a Canadair, but its deployment was ultimately not necessary.

Traffic on the Kazaginac–Prisika main road was suspended on Saturday because of the fire and dense smoke.

Fires in Konjic localized

Wildfires in the Konjic area were localized on Saturday following a coordinated response by firefighters, specialized units, local residents and aerial support.

Firefighting efforts focused on two fronts of the fire from Dzepska Mountain, toward Brdjani and Dzepi. Both fronts were localized during the day.

The operation included members of the Konjic Professional Fire Department, the “Prenj” Forestry Fire Department, residents and hunters, as well as additional federal and local firefighting forces.

A Federal Civil Protection specialized unit deployed seven members, four field vehicles and three water tanks, while the Vogosca Professional Fire Department sent eight firefighters and three vehicles.

An Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina helicopter also took part, making five flights over the affected area.

Fire crews and other teams remain on standby because weather conditions could lead to the fires reigniting.

Fire near Siroki Brijeg reduced, but still active

A wildfire that broke out Friday evening above Ljuti Dolac near Siroki Brijeg remains active, although significantly less intense than on Saturday.

Firefighters are currently monitoring the area around houses to prevent the fire from reigniting. One part of the fire remains active and is moving toward Citluk, through Trtle, across inaccessible terrain.

Fifteen members of the Ljuti Dolac Volunteer Fire Department, with two vehicles, were joined by four firefighters from the Siroki Brijeg Professional Fire Department and six members of the Jare Volunteer Fire Department. Aerial support also helped suppress a major fire line threatening the village.

The president of the Ljuti Dolac Volunteer Fire Department, Mario Marijanovic, said the air tractor had been crucial in the operation, particularly because of the difficult terrain and strong winds.

He also expressed suspicions that the fire had been deliberately started, saying it appeared at four locations within a few minutes. No official confirmation of those suspicions was provided.

With multiple fires still active, Civil Protection authorities across Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to urge citizens to exercise extreme caution and avoid any open-air burning during the period of high temperatures and exceptionally dry vegetation.

Authorities warn that fires can spread over large areas within minutes, threatening forests, crops, orchards, wildlife habitats, homes, property and, in the most serious situations, human lives.