The European Union has sent firefighting helicopters, rescuers and equipment to Serbia to combat a massive forest fire in the Deliblato Sands nature reserve in the northeast of the country. Reuters reports, UNN writes.
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Serbia activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism on Friday after several weeks of battling the fire in the Deliblato Sands, approximately 80 km from Belgrade. Since late July, the blaze has destroyed thousands of hectares of pine forest.
We support Serbia in protecting lives, livelihoods and the unique natural heritage of the Deliblato Sands
European assistance includes four Black Hawk firefighting helicopters, 124 firefighters and 39 pieces of equipment from Romania, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Germany. On Saturday, helicopters from Romania and Slovakia joined the firefighting efforts, while two more from the Czech Republic are expected to arrive on Sunday.
Serbian rescuers reported that the situation had become more stable, but strong winds are expected, which could complicate firefighting efforts. Protecting populated areas and people remains the priority.
Serbia is not an EU member, but it has access to assistance under the European Union's Civil Protection Mechanism. Earlier, Belgrade also requested assistance from Russia - on August 20, a Russian Il-76P firefighting aircraft arrived in Niš to combat the blaze.
Other major forest fires continue in southwestern Serbia. A large fire was also reported in neighboring North Macedonia, where, according to local media, at least one house caught fire in the village of Sofilar.