Fire Hell in Smolnica: The Stefanović Family’s Fight for Life and Property
Imagine your entire world going up in flames in a single moment. Your house, barn, livestock, machinery, even your car! That nightmare became reality for the Stefanović family in Smolnica near Zlot. A massive fire, sparked suddenly and fueled by strong winds, ravaged their property and left them devastated.
A Hero in the Flames
While having lunch, Branislav Stefanović was the first to notice smoke. He rushed outside and saw the fire spreading near their home. They tried to extinguish it, but the flames were too fierce. The wind only made it worse. Firefighters and neighbors arrived quickly, but the barn was lost. Branislav bravely entered the fire to save the cows but suffered severe burns on his face, hands, and stomach. He is currently hospitalized, fighting for his life.
Massive Material Damage
The family lost their house, pigs, machinery, a distillery, spreader, sprayers, and even their car. The only things saved were the tractor and baler. The damage is enormous, and the fire is suspected to have been caused by electrical issues combined with strong winds. The entire Zlot community rallied to help with water tankers and tractors.
Injured Animals and a Call for Help
Besides the people, the animals suffered too. The pigs have burns, and the family is treating them with ointments and St. John’s wort. Branislava Stefanović is appealing for help, especially for hay and food for the pigs. They have reported the damage to the authorities and are awaiting assessment.
Wider Context: Fires in Serbia and State of Emergency
This fire is not an isolated incident. Fires rage across Serbia, especially in the Toplica district, Žitorađa, Kuršumlija, and Prokuplje. The Serbian government declared a state of emergency in five cities and 11 municipalities due to fires that destroyed hundreds of homes and thousands of hectares of land. Approximately 2.8 million euros have been allocated from the national budget for recovery.
How to Protect Yourself?
Experts warn that the worst thing you can do during a fire is panic or ignore firefighters’ instructions. Wind and drought only worsen the situation. Property insurance can help, but many are not prepared for such expenses.
Conclusion: A Fight for Survival
The Stefanović family exemplifies how vulnerable people in Serbia are to natural disasters. Their courage and the solidarity of neighbors shine as a beacon in this dark time. But the question remains — how many more tragedies must occur before serious protective and aid measures are taken?
If you made it this far, drop a comment — would you have the guts to fight like Branislav? Or maybe it’s time we all ask where the government is when it’s needed most? Share your thoughts; maybe your words will brighten someone’s day!
