SARAJEVO, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Firefighters in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) continued the efforts to contain a forest wildfire in central BiH on Sunday, as the blaze remained active despite ground and aerial firefighting operations, local authorities said Monday.
According to the authorities of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, the fire has been burning for several days in Jablanica municipality in central BiH, leading to the deployment of professional and volunteer firefighting teams as well as military aerial support.
Members of the Jablanica Firefighting Unit and local volunteer fire groups spent Sunday on battling the fire in the Pisvir area near Jablanica. A total of 15 firefighters participated in the operation. A helicopter from the Armed Forces of BiH provided aerial support, conducting water-dropping missions.
Authorities said the fire is still active despite the intervention. Earlier reports from the Federation Civil Protection Administration of BiH said the wildfire had affected about 14 hectares of land, mainly pine forest. Steep cliffs and rugged terrain have complicated firefighting efforts and limited access to some parts of the affected area.
Officials said the fire line has shifted toward nearby areas, but no residential buildings or local residents are currently under threat.
Wildfires have become a recurring challenge in parts of BiH during periods with hot and dry weather. The authorities have been closely monitoring the situation as the summer approaches. ■
