Montenegro: One Soldier Dead, Another Injured While Fighting Wildfires Near Podgorica

RksNews
RksNews 3 Min Read
3 Min Read

One Montenegrin soldier has died and another was seriously injured after a fire-fighting tanker truck overturned in the Kuča region near Podgorica, the Ministry of Defense announced.

Authorities confirmed that the Montenegrin Army, in coordination with local services, is investigating the incident. For the second consecutive day, the army, firefighters, and police have been battling large wildfires affecting areas around Podgorica, as well as the regions between Budva and Bar.

The fires have also destroyed a house and several properties, prompting the evacuation of some residents near Podgorica.

Miodrag Bešović, Director General of the Directorate for Protection and Rescue, stated:
“The situation is somewhat more stable now. Although unpredictable, we believe that with our forces and support from our partners, the fires will soon be under control.”

Due to heavy smoke and poor air quality, the Public Health Institute has advised citizens to avoid outdoor activities.

Montenegro remains under a red alert for wildfires, with strong winds complicating firefighting efforts. The authorities have welcomed international assistance to combat the fires.

A Canadian soldier from Croatia has arrived in Montenegro as part of support provided through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism. Additionally, the government has activated cooperation mechanisms with NATO and neighboring countries to receive further aid.

Austria will send 100 personnel equipped for firefighting, while Italy plans to deploy a firefighting aircraft. A helicopter with seven personnel from Serbia arrived on August 11.

Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić expressed concern about possible deliberate ignition of several fires, highlighting suspicious simultaneous outbreaks in different locations. He urged stricter penalties for arson.

In the past two months, authorities have prosecuted six individuals linked to fire-setting in several Montenegrin cities. Police are calling on citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

The wildfire crisis is not limited to Montenegro. Other Balkan states, including Kosovo, are also battling forest fires. Kosovo’s Emergency Management Agency reported 51 wildfire outbreaks on August 11, with 19 still active late into the night, primarily in Kamenica, Mitrovica, and Podujevo.

The Balkan region is forecast to endure continued extreme heat this week, with temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius, further exacerbating the wildfire risk.