Bosnia and Herzegovina

During the summer of 2024, Bosnia and Herzegovina faced significant challenges from wildfires. One of the most severe fires occurred near Tjentište, in the Sutjeska National Park, threatening the pristine Perućica rainforest, one of the last in Europe. The fire began in early August and quickly spread due to strong winds and difficult terrain. The response was hampered by delays in deploying adequate resources, including firefighting helicopters. The environmental impact is severe, with large areas of protected forest burned, threatening local biodiversity.

Serbia

In Serbia, the summer of 2024 witnessed several wildfires, with the most severe occurring in the region of Sjenica, where around 100 hectares of coniferous forest were consumed by flames[1]. This fire necessitated the deployment of both local firefighting units and a specialized helicopter unit. The fire came close to the villages, the locals were preparing for evacuation. The fires, largely fueled by high temperatures nearing 40°C and dry conditions, were a stark reminder of the environmental vulnerabilities in the region. Community involvement played a crucial role, with residents assisting in preventive measures and firefighting efforts where possible[2].

Croatia

Summer in Croatia brings always a lot of danger, the dry and degraded vegetation acts as easy fuel for severe wildfires, spreading quickly and getting close to populated places. This year the hotspot was the Dalmatian region, with the most severe fire near Skradin, which broke out in mid-August. This fire spread rapidly, threatening residential areas and critical infrastructure. Firefighters, supported by air units including Canadair planes, managed to contain the blaze after several days of intense effort. The fire not only caused considerable damage to local vineyards and olive groves but also posed a risk to the nearby Krka National Park, although this was narrowly avoided[3]. Thanks to many yers of experience with wildfires and the membershib in the European Union, Croatia is well equipped with firefighting aircraft[4].

Montenegro

This year the most dangerous fire occurring in Montenegro was in the areas surrounding Budva, Cetinje, and Sutomore. One of the major fires began on July 25 in the mountainous region between Budva and Cetinje, quickly spreading due strong winds[5]. Involvment of local firefighting units, aerial support from helicopters, and even military assistance was needed. The Montenegrin government coordinated efforts to contain the blaze, and despite the intense heat and challenging access, they managed to protect nearby settlements and prevent further damage. Community involvement was crucial, with local residents assisting firefighters and providing support where possible. Environmental impacts were severe, with large areas of forest and wildlife habitats destroyed, but the quick response helped mitigate further destruction.

[1] Sandžak Press. (19. august 2024). Požar u Sjenici se širi, moguća evakuacija, vatru gase helikopteri. https://sandzakpress.net/pozar-u-sjenici-se-ziri-moguca-evakuacija-vatru-gase-helikopteri/

[2] Euronews Srbija. (19. august 2024). Požar kod Sjenice i dalje nije ugašen, na Jadovniku gori četinarska šuma. https://www.euronews.rs/srbija/aktuelno/133654/pozar-kod-sjenice-i-dalje-nije-ugasen-na-jadovniku-gori-cetinarska-suma/vest

[3] Jutarnji List. (20. august 2024). S buktinjom se bore stotine vatrogasaca, napokon stigli kanaderi: Vatra ušla u PP Biokovo, širi se prema NP Krka, turistima bi trebalo zabraniti ulazak. https://www.jutarnji.hr/vijesti/crna-kronika/s-buktinjom-se-bore-stotine-vatrogasaca-napokon-stigli-kanaderi-vatra-usla-u-pp-biokovo-siri-se-prema-np-krka-turistima-bi-trebalo-zabraniti-ulazak-15487330

[4] Dnevnik.hr. (17. august 2024). Vlada: Kupnja dva kanadera DHC-515 u okviru RescEU mehanizma. Retrieved from https://dnevnik.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/vlada-kupnja-dva-kanadera-dhc-515-u-okviru-resceu-mehanizma—837899.html

[5] Pobjeda. (31. juli 2024). Požar između Budve i Cetinja i dalje aktivan, proširio se i na barsku opštinu. Retrieved from https://www.pobjeda.me/clanak/pozar-izmedu-budve-i-cetinja-i-dalje-aktivan-prosirio-se-i-na-barsku-opstinu