KFOR Helicopter Deployed to Battle Blaze Near Historic Devic Monastery A massive wildfire broke out on the afternoon of July 7th in the mountainous areas near the Devic Monastery, a site of significant religious and cultural heritage located in the Skenderaj region of Kosovo.
Upon receiving the alert, local police units in Skenderaj were immediately dispatched to the scene, working alongside firefighting teams to contain the blaze, which had rapidly spread across a vast area and posed a threat to the monastery and nearby homes.
Due to the intensity and high risk of the fire, additional reinforcements were mobilized, including senior officers from the Mitrovica South Regional Police Directorate, members of the Special Operations Unit (NJSO), and troops from the NATO-led KFOR mission.
The NJSO intervened with high-capacity water cannons, while KFOR provided aerial support using helicopters, which played a crucial role in suppressing the fire from above and protecting the endangered structures.
Thanks to coordinated efforts from all agencies involved, the monastery and surrounding houses were spared from destruction. Fire suppression operations continued throughout the night and the following day, with firefighters, police, and KFOR personnel working on full containment.
Preliminary police investigations suggest that the fire may have been ignited by damaged electrical wires, which were reportedly affected by strong winds, according to statements made by the monastery’s caretaker.
Authorities remain on-site until the complete extinguishment of the fire and confirmation that the area is safe.
