Situation at the Neum Fire Site Worsens, Assistance Requested from BiH Armed Forces Helicopter

(Patria) - The fire on Mount Žaba in the Neum hinterland has spread to the northern side, and due to strong winds and inaccessible terrain, the fire line is expanding towards populated areas.

Neum firefighters are hoping for aerial assistance, without which it will be impossible to contain the fire. However, according to some information, only one helicopter of the BiH Armed Forces is currently available, which is currently extinguishing fires in Konjic, where the situation is also difficult.

“What we feared has happened. Late last night, the fire flared up at the top of Mount Žaba. Driven by strong winds, the fire is spreading further towards the populated areas of Cerevo and Mramor,” Marko Topalović from the Neum Municipal Civil Protection Service told Fena, as reported by N1.

He warned that the fire has come about two kilometres from the villages.

“Due to the wind, whose intensity could increase in the afternoon hours, we fear that the fire could reach these villages,” said Topalović, adding that assistance from a BiH Armed Forces helicopter was requested again this morning.