Niš Banja declares emergency to combat Suva Planina wildfires

An emergency situation has been declared in the Niš Banja municipality to combat spreading wildfires on Suva Planina. To prevent the fire from advancing toward Gornja Studena, authorities are using heavy machinery to widen a forest road between Bojani Vineyards and Mosor to a width of 10 to 15 meters, creating a strategic firebreak line.

Niš Mayor Dragoslav Pavlović stated that the emergency declaration allows for the mobilization of additional municipal resources, including public utility companies. JKP 'Mediana' has been tasked with transporting water via tankers to Bojani Vineyards, while the Student Center is providing food for firefighters and volunteers. The firefighting effort involves professional brigades, volunteers, and motorcycle associations.

To assist in the containment, a Russian Ilyushin aircraft, capable of carrying 42 tons of water, has been deployed. The aircraft was provided following a proposal by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to Russian President Vladimir Putin.