Their efforts were seriously hampered by landmines left from the 1992-95 war in the area near the southern town of Gacko. The fire has so far destroyed over 500 hectares (1,200 acres) of brush, local official Viktor Grkovic said.

Firefighters called on the army to back them with helicopters warning that the fire could spread to nearby woods.

More than 6,000 hectares (14,800 acres) of forest and brush have been destroyed in over 400 fires in southern Bosnia since June.

TERRA.WIRE