The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that on July 7, 2025, a total of 620 wildfires were recorded across Serbia.
Fires in Serbia pose a serious long-term threat to both people and nature. They are caused by prolonged drought, poor forest management, and careless fire use. The most vulnerable are remote and neglected villages, which suffer additional consequences from these disasters due to decades of neglect.
High temperature and low water supply are making the situation worse. Deforestation and river destruction make it harder for the soil to retain moisture, leading to rapid water evaporation, harmful droughts, and destructive storms.
Experts warn that poor forest management is a major factor in the spread of wildfires. Instead of cutting down old trees for timber export, priority should be given to removing underbrush and invasive species, which would also improve access for firefighters.
Lighting fires during the summer should be strictly punished, and wildfires should be extinguished using technical water or firefighting planes. Experts warn that with proper infrastructure, even tap water could help save villages, but currently, large losses in the water network—reaching up to 50% in some areas—make such interventions difficult.
Last year’s drought affected 92% of Serbia’s territory. Although the most vulnerable areas are known, experts warn that the government has yet to implement a realistic strategy for adapting to climate change.
The time to delay is over – action must be taken immediately to prevent new disasters and protect nature and life in the affected areas.