Albania and southern Bosnia and Herzegovina threatened by flames. Firefighters are trying to control the fires that are approaching the Sutjeska National Park.
Fires are increasing in Bosnia and Herzegovina. On Monday, a new forest fire broke out in Tjentište. It is getting dangerously close to the Sutjeska National Park, known for its centuries-old coniferous forests. About 150 hectares of land are currently on fire.
The civil protection of the Bosnian Serb entity has requested assistance from the armed forces, as the fire could cause serious ecological damage, endangering a vast area of centuries-old forest.
“The situation is extremely difficult, especially with trees falling and rocks flying. The areas where we put out the fire, after just a few minutes, force us to come back because we are dealing with very steep areas, canyons, where the trees that fall and burn rekindle” said Nijaz Imamovic, chairman of the Ilidza fire department.
Further south in Albania, firefighters battled relentlessly on Monday in the town of Finiq to control fires that have broken out in at least 11 remote mountainous areas of the country. Several helicopters and special equipment were deployed.
The Albanian Defense Ministry reported that the flames are also spreading along the border with North Macedonia.
