Large fires in Serbia, burning more than 1,100 hectares, are being put out by both the police and the army.

Firefighters and emergency services in Serbia are battling six active wildfires spanning over 1,100 hectares as of late Saturday night, with the largest blaze engulfing nearly 700 hectares in the Deliblatska Peščara nature reserve. The situation has prompted the involvement of both the police and military forces, according to the Operational Team of the Republic Crisis Staff. At the Deliblatska Peščara site alone, 125 firefighters are deployed using 29 vehicles and two quad bikes, supported by four military vehicles and one work machine from the Serbian Army. Additional resources include ground crews from Srbijavoda and Vojvodinašuma, while four helicopters from the Ministry of Internal Affairs are also engaged in firefighting efforts. The fire in Deliblatska Peščara has led to the declaration of an extraordinary situation in the Banat municipality of Kovin, with some areas already evacuated. The blaze has affected power lines, cutting electricity supply to two villages. Water supply has also been disrupted due to pump failures caused by the fire. Compounding these challenges, the region's characteristic "three winds" known as Ruža Triju have made the spread of flames unpredictable. To counter this, firefighters are working to contain the fire through rapid construction and expansion of forest roads. In addition to the major fire in Deliblatska Peščara, other blazes are burning in different parts of the country. On Mount Stolovi, approximately 200 hectares of dry grass, low vegetation, and deciduous forests are ablaze. In the village of Maglič near Kraljevo in the Ibar Gorge, around 170 hectares of forestland are under threat. A separate fire in Gabrovnica near Zaječar in eastern Serbia has consumed roughly 100 hectares, with teams maintaining constant vigilance to keep the blaze under control. The fires have raised concerns among local authorities and residents, particularly given the difficulty in predicting their movement due to the wind patterns. Emergency services are working tirelessly to protect communities and infrastructure, often operating under challenging conditions. The involvement of military personnel underscores the severity of the situation, highlighting the need for coordinated efforts across multiple agencies. Efforts continue to focus on containing the fires and preventing them from spreading further into populated areas or critical infrastructure. Firefighters are employing a combination of direct suppression techniques and preventive measures such as creating firebreaks and improving access routes. Despite these efforts, the unpredictable nature of the wind poses ongoing risks, requiring continuous monitoring and adaptation of strategies. Local officials have emphasized the importance of public awareness and cooperation during this crisis. Residents are being advised to stay informed through official channels and to follow evacuation orders if necessary. The situation remains dynamic, with new developments likely as the firefighting operations progress. Authorities are closely watching the weather forecast, which will play a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of containment efforts.