Drama in Deliblato Sands, Serbian Army deployed: State of emergency, MUP in urgent appeal

Printscreen: MUP

Serbia is currently fighting wildfires in as many as nine locations, while the real drama unfolded yesterday in Deliblato Sands (Deliblatska Pescara). Thanks to the enormous efforts of the firefighters and the deployment of the Army, a disaster was prevented and the spread of the flames towards populated areas was stopped.

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Milos Milenkovic, assistant head  of the Directorate for Fire and Rescue Units of the Emergency Situations Sector, confirmed that the situation is more favorable this morning, but that there is still danger due to unpredictable weather conditions. A state of emergency was declared in a part of the territory of the Municipality of Kovin in order to get additional machinery on the ground as soon as possible.

"We are talking about yesterday's experience in Deliblato Sands - the wind was suddenly changing direction and speed. That is why we are very careful and look after the local population and property, especially because we expect the temperature to rise," said Milenkovic.

On this most difficult front, there's an "army" of rescuers working: 126 firefighters with 27 vehicles, members of the 72nd Special Brigade of the Serbian Army, which joined the effirt last night, 75 people from the public enterprise Vojvodinasume with 10 heavy duty machines, as well as members of Voluntary Fire Brigades.

Milenkovic also said that the Ministry of Interior (MUP) helicopters are expected to return to the area soon, and provide key support from the air.

Trouble near Kraljevo: Helicopters and tanker trucks defend Maglic dam

Besides Deliblato Sands, the Emergency Situations Sector is monitoring three more crisis points: the Usce-Maglic stretch, as well as the areas around Knjazevac and Zajecar (where wildfires are currently localized).

On the Usce-Maglic stretch, 62 rescuers with 20 vehicles are working to help locals and volunteers. MUP's powerful Kamov helicopter assisted from the air, while Corridors of Serbia public company provided a tanker truck to ensure uninterrupted water supply.

MUP makes urgent appeal

RHMZ's announcement that the heatwave and the drought are continuing has prompted representatives of the MUP to issue a warning to everyone who intends to spend time in nature.

"Let's be careful, let's not only not light fires in a forest, but not even 200 meters from its edge. If you notice a fire, call 193 immediately! That first information is worth its weight in gold to us, so that we can dispatch our teams in a time," Milos Milenkovic said.

Although in safe situations citizens can try to put out small fires by themselves, Milenkovic advises caution above all else.

"In order not to endanger yourself and your loved ones, it's best to move to a safe location and call 193. Leave the work to our trained and equipped teams. You've seen that we help in Spain and France, but our priority are the citizens of Serbia - it's our job to be at the scene of an emergency," Milenkovic concluded.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)