A wildfire that has been burning for the past fortnight is out of control and engulfing everything in its path in the Jablanica region in northern Herzegovina and has now spread to the Cvrsnica mountain range and heading toward the town of Konjic, fire fighters from Bosnia and Herzegovina reported on Saturday.
The cool change has not slowed down the raging fire which was partially put under control last week thanks to the assistance of Croatian Canadair fire fighter planes.
According to Jablanica fire chief Omer Dreznjak, the fire is now threatening houses and efforts to put out the fire are being hampered by the exceptionally rugged terrain.
"We have but five fire fighters and around 15 locals putting out the fire in an exceptionally difficult region. We cannot bring in people from elsewhere and put them in danger", said Dreznjak.
A Bosnian army helicopter is assisting in fighting the fire, he added.
Media have reported that the Bosnian government has been offered the assistance of a Russian fire-fighting plane which is currently located in Nis, Serbia, however an official request from Bosnian officials is required for the Russians to come to the assistance of Jablanica fire fighters, to settle the cost of fuel, airport taxes, accommodation and catering for the crew.
The Bosnian council of ministers do not have funds allocated in the state budget for natural disasters which is in the jurisdiction of entity authorities, in this case the Bosnian Federation entity.
