Mostar Uborak landfill fire forces evacuations and emergency response

A fire that broke out at the Uborak landfill near Mostar has reignited, threatening nearby homes. Mayor Mario Kordić ordered the evacuation of residents, who were moved to a reception centre in Salakovac, and warned that the blaze may have been deliberately set. He said, “Požar je podmetnut.”

Civil protection authorities declared an emergency situation. Fire crews from Mostar and surrounding towns (Konjic, Stolac, Čapljina, Jablanica and Čitluk) deployed six fire trucks and eleven firefighters, continued to monitor the site, and began covering hot spots with sand and rock. Air‑tractor equipment was also prepared for use.

The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s government approved a 300,000 KM allocation from the Environmental Protection Fund to cover fire‑fighting, remediation, waste trans‑shipment and related costs. Minister of Finance Adil Šuta confirmed the funding and stressed the need to protect public health.

Officials allege arson behind both the initial fire and the latest flare‑up, and have involved the prosecutor’s office and police in the investigation. The incident has caused a sharp rise in air‑pollution levels, with the local AQI reaching roughly 160 and health authorities advising residents to keep windows closed and avoid prolonged outdoor exposure.