Herzegovina in Flames: Konjic Seeks International Help
The fire in Konjic enters its sixth day, threatening settlements, while firefighters in Neum managed to defend Međugorje and extinguish two arson fires.
The fire in Konjic enters its sixth day, threatening settlements, while firefighters in Neum managed to defend Međugorje and extinguish two arson fires.
As firefighters in Herzegovina wage an exhausting battle against the fiery blaze, the situation is particularly critical in the Konjic area, where local authorities have requested international assistance. A large forest fire, which has been raging for six days in the north of this municipality, has now spread to populated areas, threatening residential buildings.
The fire line has engulfed a vast area between the villages of Kanjina, Brđani, and Džepi. In the hamlet of Golubić near Džepi, the night was extremely difficult as the fire destroyed one abandoned house and two barns. Around fifty people are currently on the ground, continuously trying to halt the fire's further spread.
Given the magnitude of the threat, the Konjic Civil Protection Headquarters has decided to declare a natural disaster. Mayor Osman Ćatić has requested international aerial assistance, with two Air Tractor firefighting aircraft expected to arrive, along with possible support from helicopters of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
From the Konjic Fire Brigade, they described extremely difficult conditions on the ground for Hina. "The fire has engulfed a large area, much of it on steep and inaccessible terrain. We've been working all night to extinguish it. All available resources are deployed," they said. They also warned that strong winds and a multi-day drought are further fueling the rapid spread of the fire line.
The firefighting operation involves members of professional and volunteer fire brigades, forestry workers, civil protection personnel, and many local residents.
Meanwhile, it was also a tough night for firefighters in Neum, who have been battling a fire above Popovo Polje for days. The Neum Professional Fire Brigade (PVP) confirmed that yesterday they successfully defended the village of Međugorje and the road from Lake Vrutak to Međugorje. This halted the fire's spread toward the villages of Glumina, Previš, and Hutovo.
Last night, firefighters received reports of two new fires along the road in Gornje Hrasno toward Lastva, which they suspect were deliberately set. A swift response prevented their spread, and both fires were completely extinguished.
