VIDEO Fire raging in Neum, wind complicating situation, difficult night ahead for firefighters and residents

(Patria) - In the afternoon hours, a fire that broke out in the morning spread across the wider Neum area. It engulfed a pine forest, causing heavy smoke that blocked the road at the entrance to the town from the direction of Stolac.

According to initial information from the field and statements from the Neum Professional Fire Brigade, the fire has affected a large area, making extinguishing efforts difficult.

A long line of cars has formed, moving slowly or not at all towards Neum.

"Firefighters are on the ground and have managed to prevent the fire from spreading to houses for now. Help is arriving from Mostar and Stolac. A difficult night awaits us, and the biggest problem is the wind," says Dragan Raič, duty officer at the Neum Civil Protection Operations Center.

The fire has consumed Broćansko polje, but thanks to the efforts of firefighters and local residents, the houses in Broćanac have been saved. Olive trees have been damaged, and the extent of the damage will be assessed later.

Driven by strong winds, the fire continued to spread towards Praovice and Prapratnica, where the situation is critical. Firefighters from Ston, Slano, Metković, Mostar, and Čapljina have arrived to assist their Neum colleagues.

The fire is also spreading in part towards Hotanj. Local residents are on the ground, working diligently and helping to extinguish the fire. Weather conditions and wind are not favorable for firefighting efforts, reports Neumonline.

This will be a long night for both firefighters and residents. Aerial firefighting can be expected only tomorrow.

A video posted on social media around 9:50 PM shows a large ring of fire threatening houses. The situation is extremely serious.