Huge forest fire in Serbia scorches some 700 hectares of Deliblatska Sands

A large forest fire that has been burning for a third day in the Deliblatska Sands in Serbia has spread to roughly 700 hectares, forcing evacuations and a broad firefighting effort, local authorities and witnesses say.

Villages evacuated; residents and services battle the blaze

Residents of the villages Čardak and Šumarak in the municipality of Kovin were evacuated as the flames advanced. Firefighters, army units, foresters and helicopters have been working for several days to contain the fire, but high temperatures, wind and dense smoke are complicating operations.

Siniša Stanković, who lives in Pančevo and owns a house in Šumarak, described the scene as the worst fire he has seen in the past 25 years. He told reporters that when he visited his property on August 6, 2026, the fire was between 100 and 200 metres from the houses.

"We encountered many frightened animals, stray dogs and game. Ash was constantly falling from the sky, and thick smoke came from the forest. It was extremely distressing," Stanković said.

So far there are no reports of fatalities or injuries. Still, firefighters and emergency teams face a difficult task as weather conditions—hot temperatures and wind—help spread the flames while heavy smoke reduces visibility.

The Deliblatska Sands is one of Serbia's most valuable nature reserves and hosts hundreds of plant and animal species. Videos and images shared on social media on August 8, 2026 show citizens joining firefighters at the scene as crews try to stop the blaze.

Photo: Икс / Shonetin /скриншот