What is the name and location of the wildfires?
Since early September 2026, multiple simultaneous wildfires, including the Zvirnjača, Drvar-Glamoč, and Trnovo fires, have affected Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the situation particularly severe in western and southern regions.
The Zvirnjača fire, which broke out on September 4, has become the major fire, burning approximately 85 km west of Sarajevo. Other fires remain active across multiple municipalities. The fires have been driven by prolonged drought, high temperatures, and strong, shifting winds (1).
Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfires?
Active wildfires and smoke are affecting several communities and areas, including:
- Bihać
- Bileća
- Bosanski Petrovac
- Drvar
- Glamoč
- Konjic
- Kupres
- Ljubuša Mountain area
- Mrkonjić Grad
- Neum
- Nevesinje
- Prozor-Rama
- Sarajevo
- Trebinje
What is the current containment status of the wildfires?
As of September 10, 2026, containment varies across the affected areas. The Zvirnjača fire had no visible flames in some areas by September 6, but authorities continued monitoring for possible reactivation. Satellite detections continued through September 9, with the detected extent reaching approximately 15,556 hectares (2).
Several other fires remain active. In Trnovo, multiple fire locations continued burning on September 9, with difficult terrain and suspected mine-contaminated areas complicating firefighting efforts. The Drvar-Glamoč fire also remained a concern as strong winds continued to influence fire behavior.
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
No widespread evacuation orders have been reported, although fires have threatened and damaged homes in several areas. In the Drvar-Glamoč area, strong winds re-ignited fires, destroying several houses in Savići, Poljice, and Crni Vrh.
In Nevesinje, firefighters and residents have been defending homes as the fire approaches Humčani. Authorities remain on alert for possible fire reactivation in previously affected areas.
How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?
Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
