Serbia deploys drones to hunt down arsonists starting wildfires in vicinity of Sokobanja

Since cases of intentional starting of fires have been observed in the fields in the villages of Vrmdza and Josanica, police from Sokobanja have intensified checks of the area, along with the Sokobanja Fire and Rescue Unit, and the Sokobanja Forestry Administration, using drones that take videos of the terrain.

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The law on fire protection and other laws prohibit the burning of grass and low vegetation in an open area, as well as remains of crops, garbage, or starting fires in the forest or within a distance of 200 meters from the edge of a forest.

Individuals face fines ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 dinars, while legal entities pay from 300,000 to 1,000,000 dinars. If a large property is threatened by fire, a criminal complaint is filed, and fines can also be accompanied by prison time.

The competent services are appealing to citizens not to start fires in forested areas because they spread quickly and represent a real danger to nature and people, and can cause great material damage. In case citizens notice a fire spreading they are asked to immediately call 193 and alert firefighters.

Also, the competent services are waring the citizens that increased surveillance and field visits with the use of drones are being implemented in order to reduce the number of fires in open spaces and increase the safety of citizens.

(Telegraf.rs/Banjski Zurnal)