IL-76 BEGINS FIGHTING MAJOR WILDFIRE IN SERBIA'S DELIBLATO SANDS

BELGRADE, AUGUST 20 /SRNA/ - A Russian Ilyushin Il-76 firefighting aircraft has begun operations against a major wildfire in the Deliblato Sands in northern Serbia.

The Il-76 will conduct firefighting operations in coordination with the Helicopter Unit of Serbia's Ministry of Interior.

The aircraft took off from Niš Airport, where it arrived last night at the request of Russian President Vladimir Putin, after Serbia appealed for assistance amid a critical deterioration in the wildfire situation and growing threats to populated areas.

The aircraft can release up to 42 tons of water in a single drop, making it one of the most powerful operational aerial firefighting aircraft.

At major fire sites such as the Deliblato Sands, its role is to cover large areas affected by fire in a short period of time, helping firefighters on the ground bring the blaze under control.

In some parts of the Deliblato Sands, around 70 kilometers north of Belgrade, the fire had been burning since late July before a major blaze broke out on August 5. Firefighters have so far been unable to fully contain it, with persistent and unpredictable winds hampering efforts.

More than 3,500 hectares have burned so far out of the 35,000 hectares covered by the nature reserve.

Nearby settlements, private properties and farms have been protected.