Serbia forest loss exceeds 51,000 hectares due to wildfires

Data from the Republic Statistical Office reveals that over 51,632 hectares of forest in Serbia have burned in fires between 2006 and 2025. This area is equivalent to approximately 516 square kilometers.

Private forests accounted for a larger portion of the damage, with 27,700 hectares lost, compared to 23,400 hectares of state-owned forests managed by entities such as Srbijašuma and Vojvodinašuma. The years 2007, 2012, 2024, and 2025 were identified as the most severe periods for forest loss. While 2007 saw the largest area burned, 2012 holds the record for the highest volume of damaged timber, exceeding 63,000 cubic meters.

Recent wildfire activity has heavily impacted the Deliblatska Peščara nature reserve, which lost more than 1,500 hectares of forest and low vegetation since August 5. Ongoing firefighting efforts involving the military, citizens, and firefighters are also concentrated in areas including Mount Stolovi, Polumira, Magliča near Kraljevo, and Gamzigrad near Zaječar.