SEVERAL FIRES STILL ACTIVE, ILYUSHIN TO FIGHT BLAZE IN DELIBLATSKA PEŠČARA TODAY

BELGRADE, AUGUST 20 /SRNA/ - Several fires are currently active in Serbia, with the situation most serious in Deliblatska Peščara, where a Russian firefighting aircraft, the Ilyushin, which landed at Niš Constantine the Great Airport last night, will join efforts to extinguish the blaze today.

The Russian aircraft can drop up to 42 tonnes of water in a single pass and will operate in coordination with the Helicopter Unit of Serbia’s Interior Ministry, Belgrade media reported. There were no significant changes overnight in Deliblatska Peščara, where the fire has engulfed more than 3,500 hectares. The fire in the area between Velika Kamenica, Podvrška and Velesnica near Kladovo was brought under control yesterday on an area of around 1,300 hectares. Strong winds hampered firefighting efforts. On the slopes of Troglav near Maglič, above the Ibarska Highway, the fire has affected around two hectares of black pine forest. There is currently no danger to nearby households.