A fire that broke out Tuesday afternoon near Mašićka Šagovina has consumed between 10 and 15 hectares of forest and undergrowth, with commander Tomislav Orlovac leading the extinguishing efforts amid scorching temperatures.
A large fire broke out on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, in the area of Mašićka Šagovina near Nova Gradiška. According to the Brod-Posavina Police Department, the report of the fire was received around 2:30 PM, and the flames quickly engulfed between 10 and 15 hectares of forest, low vegetation, and meadows.
A total of 43 firefighters from seven different units are involved in the extinguishing efforts. On the scene are members of the Nova Gradiška Public Fire Brigade (JVP) with two vehicles, the Dragalić Volunteer Fire Department (DVD) with two vehicles, and the Nova Gradiška, Ljupina, and Rešetari volunteer fire departments with one vehicle each. Additional support has been provided by firefighters from Gornji Bogićevci, Okučani, and Cernik.
The firefighting operation is being led by Tomislav Orlovac, commander of the Nova Gradiška JVP, while police officers are securing the fire site and managing access. The scale of the fire is significant, with thick smoke visible even from the nearby highway.
What makes this intervention particularly demanding are the high summer temperatures. Firefighters, burdened by protective gear, have been working for hours to contain the flames and prevent further spread across the scorched terrain. On days when most citizens are seeking shade and relief from the sun, they spend their afternoons surrounded by open flames and smoke.
Authorities have urged citizens not to head toward Mašićka Šagovina out of curiosity. Approaching the fire site not only puts them in danger but can also hinder the passage of fire trucks and other emergency vehicles, for which every minute is precious.
The cause of the fire is not yet known, and more information is expected once the blaze is brought under control and an investigation begins.
