The Government of Montenegro will ask for help of NATO for extinguishing forest fires from the air because the fire is spreading to several locations, including the surroundings of Podgorica, where on Monday, August 11, several houses burned down and several firefighters were injured.
"According to the assessment of the Ministry of the Interior, the Directorate for Protection and Rescue, the current available resources are not sufficient for effective fire suppression, especially in hard-to-reach areas and in conditions of high temperatures, strong winds and drought," the government announced.
The statement added that firefighting planes and helicopters are working at full capacity, but due to the extent of the fire and limited technical capabilities, they cannot respond to all requests.
"The forecast of the Hydrometeorological Institute indicates the continuation of unfavorable weather conditions in the coming days," the announcement states.
Serbia has sent a Kamov helicopter to Montenegro, which is engaged in extinguishing fires from the air, and a canard from Croatia will also fly in, the MUP announced earlier.
The Prime Minister of Montenegro, Milojko Spajić, said that the government of Montenegro will provide all the necessary assistance to the citizens who suffered damage in the fires, in order to repair the consequences and restore what was lost.
"I am aware of the weight of the losses that our citizens have suffered. The Government of Montenegro will be with you - we will provide all the necessary help to repair the consequences and restore what was lost. These challenges are difficult, but we will overcome them together, with faith in the strength and unity of our community," Spajić wrote on X.
He added that fires in several locations in the country caused great material damage to citizens and communities.
"Unfortunately, our firefighters were also injured - people who selflessly and bravely stand on the first line of defense of life and property every day. I send them my sincere gratitude and deep respect for the sacrifice and courage they show," he said.
Spajić also thanked Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, the European Union and NATO for their help in extinguishing the fire.
A tank overturned in Kuči, one soldier was killed, one was seriously injured
A member of the Army of Montenegro was killed, and another was seriously injured while fighting a fire in the Kuča area, the Ministry of Defense announced.
"The accident occurred when the water tanker, which they were operating, overturned," the statement said.
The Army of Montenegro, in cooperation with the competent authorities, is conducting an investigation to determine the cause and circumstances of the accident.
The Chief of the General Staff of the Army of Montenegro, Brigadier General Miodrag Vuksanović, came to the scene after learning about the accident.
"The public will be informed about all further information in a timely manner," the Ministry of Defense said.
Fires in several locations near Nikšić
Gordan Tripković, shift commander in the Nikšić Fire and Rescue Unit, told RTCG that several fires are active throughout the Nikšić municipality and that the most critical are in Vučje and Duga.
He points out that only four firefighting vehicles are currently available, which, as he pointed out, is not enough to overcome all fires.
The student dormitory in Podgorica is ready to receive evacuees
The "Blue Palace" student dormitory is ready and open to receive all residents of Podgorica evacuated from the area affected by the fire, announced the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation of Montenegro.
Minister Anđela Jakšić Stojanović announced that the primary responsibility of her department is "to provide security and support to everyone who needs it in these difficult times."
"Therefore, we invite all citizens affected by this natural disaster to contact the contact number for the organization of accommodation and transportation...", she stated.
It was also announced that the Ministry of Science, together with all partners, will continue to monitor the situation and provide the necessary assistance in accordance with its capacities.
Montenegrin police: All capacities are working to locate the fire
The Montenegrin Police Administration announced that they are conducting activities on the ground and from the air to locate active fires and identify potential suspects, adding that they have engaged helicopters, drones and the entire available police force.
He notes that all necessary measures and actions are being taken in order to determine the cause of the fires that have been active in the territory of several municipalities and regions throughout the country in the last two days.
The Police Administration of Montenegro appeals to citizens to show maximum responsibility and caution, especially considering the increased risk of fire outbreaks due to the prolonged dry period and extremely high temperatures.
Fires in several locations near Nikšić
Gordan Tripković, shift commander in the Nikšić Fire and Rescue Unit, told RTCG that several fires are active throughout the Nikšić municipality and that the most critical are in Vučje and Duga.
He points out that only four firefighting vehicles are currently available, which, as he pointed out, is not enough to overcome all fires.
The most critical between Buljarica and Čanj, smoke over Podgorica
Firefighters battled the blaze throughout the night. As reported by RTCG, the most critical was between Buljarica and Čanj.
In Podgorica, Piperi, Smokovac, Kakaritska Gora and Doljani were the most difficult. Currently, all facilities that were threatened last night have been defended, said Director General of the Directorate for Protection and Rescue, Miodrag Bešović.
He added that firefighters from Tivat, Bar, Pljevlja, Cetinje and Budva had arrived in Podgorica, and that extinguishing the fire was hampered by the strong wind which, according to forecasts, will continue to blow today.
Due to the fire, smoke rose over a large part of the center of Podgorica.
Red weather alert throughout Montenegro
The Institute for Hydrometeorology and Seismology of Montenegro declared a red weather alert on the territory of the entire country due to high temperatures.
In addition, they warn of a high level of fire danger.
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