Blidinje Warning: Fire Near Grude Devours 40 Hectares
Civil Protection warns of catastrophic consequences of irresponsible behavior in nature, as the fire near Grude rages on with undiminished intensity.
Civil Protection warns of catastrophic consequences of irresponsible behavior in nature, as the fire near Grude rages on with undiminished intensity.
The Municipal Civil Protection Service of Posušje has issued an urgent warning due to the increased risk of fire in Blidinje Nature Park. The reason is a concerning rise in illegal fire pits and open-air grilling, where careless visitors leave behind smoldering embers.
The warning was issued on August 7, 2026, and the Service emphasizes that lighting fires in forests and on forest land is strictly prohibited and legally punishable. High summer temperatures and extremely dry vegetation have created conditions where even the slightest carelessness can lead to disaster.
Civil Protection has sent a stern message to all citizens, tourists, and weekenders in the Blidinje area. "Such behavior, especially during this dry period, directly endangers human lives and the invaluable natural wealth of this region. Every open flame in these conditions is a ticking time bomb that can devour everything in its path," they stated.
Meanwhile, a battle with the fiery element is already underway on the ground. In Rzići, in the municipality of Grude, a fire broke out that has consumed more than 40 hectares of forest and undergrowth. This event further underscores the seriousness of the situation and the urgency of the warning issued by the Municipal Civil Protection Service of Posušje.
To prevent a repeat of history, the Service reminds of the scale of the major fire on Čvrsnica in 2022. That fire broke out on July 16, 2022, and lasted a full 14 days, engulfing 339 hectares of dense pine forest. Due to the inaccessible terrain, a state of natural disaster was declared.
More than 100 people participated daily in firefighting efforts in shifts, including professional firefighters from Posušje, Mostar, and Čitluk, members of the HGSS (Croatian Mountain Rescue Service), foresters, mountaineers, locals, and volunteers from across the region. The official estimate of material damage exceeded one million convertible marks.
The Municipality of Posušje has announced increased patrols and field inspections by relevant services in the coming period. Any violation of the fire ban will be strictly sanctioned. "Let us protect our nature, prevent fires, and safeguard property and lives," the Municipality stated.
The Civil Protection and Economy Service of the Municipality of Posušje, Civil Protection Department calls on anyone who spots smoke or illegal fire lighting to immediately report it to the toll-free firefighter number 123.
