Air in Sarajevo Extremely Polluted!

(Patria) - The air in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina is extremely polluted this morning, especially in the municipalities of Novi Grad and Ilidža, following last night's fire at the landfill near Vojkovići.

According to data from the Institute for Public Health of the Sarajevo Canton, concentrations of PM10 particles of up to 358 micrograms per cubic meter were measured in certain settlements, while data from "Eko akcija" shows a value of 263 micrograms. Both figures are several times above the permitted limits and pose a serious threat to the health of citizens.

Measurements of concentrations of air pollutants during July 1, 2025, according to the Institute for Public Health of the Sarajevo Canton, show extremely high concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 at measuring stations/locations: Otoka, Ilidža, and the Mobile Station (currently located in the Municipality of Novi Grad) in the Sarajevo Canton.

A thick cloud of smoke has descended over several settlements, and an unpleasant odor further complicates the situation. The largest number of reports came from the settlements of Dobrinja, Alipašino Polje, Mojmilo, Buća Potok, Čengić Vila, and Otoka, but smoke and pollution are felt throughout the city. Residents are reporting breathing problems, and the situation particularly affects vulnerable groups.

Citizens are advised to avoid staying outdoors, especially children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with chronic respiratory diseases and heart conditions. In people with respiratory diseases, such as asthma, significant worsening of symptoms and disease intensity is possible, while the entire population may experience negative effects on the respiratory system.

Although citizens reported smoke and unpleasant odor en masse, the Professional Fire Brigade of the Sarajevo Canton and East Sarajevo initially stated that they had not received any reports of a fire. However, the situation on the ground clearly indicates a larger amount of burned waste or tires, which caused a serious deterioration in air quality.

It is recommended that all citizens avoid any outdoor activities, while prolonged stay or physical exertion outdoors should be reduced to a minimum.