Where Are Our Brains, People?!
Did you know that a whopping 90% of forest fires in Serbia are caused by humans? Yes, you read that right! Not nature, not lightning, but us—through carelessness, negligence, and even intentional arson, we are destroying Serbia’s lungs—our forests.
A Cry from Serbia’s Forests
Gordana Jančić, Deputy Director of the Forestry Sector at the public company “Srbijašume,” doesn’t mince words. She appeals to all of us to behave responsibly in nature. Forests are the foundation of life—not just for plants and animals, but for us humans too. So what do we do? We light fires where we shouldn’t, throw cigarette butts on the ground, burn agricultural waste—all of which is illegal, but apparently hard for many to grasp.
Fines? 5,000 dinars? What a joke!
The fines for causing fires are laughably low—starting at 5,000 dinars! That’s like having your house set on fire and paying a fine as if you ran a red light. And a single fire can destroy hundreds of hectares of forest! This year alone, in the first five months, about 80 hectares of forest land have burned. Last year it was only 5 hectares, meaning the problem is getting way worse.
Agricultural Waste—Enemy of the Soil
Burning agricultural waste is another disaster. Not only is it illegal, but it also damages the soil. People think it’s a quick way to get rid of waste, but it actually causes harm. The soil becomes poorer, and fires spread more easily.
Control and Supervision—But Where’s the Awareness?
The guard service of “Srbijašume” steps up controls all year round, but what good is that if people don’t understand the seriousness? Signs forbidding fire lighting and cigarette disposal are everywhere, yet many ignore them.
Conclusion: Are We Really This Dumb?
Where are our brains? How can we destroy the nature that gives us life? Forest fires aren’t just a problem for nature—they’re a problem for us. Every hectare of forest lost is a lost battle for clean air, healthy soil, and the future of our children.
If you’ve read this far, you might be wondering—what can I do? Maybe next time you’re in nature, don’t throw your cigarette on the ground, don’t light fires where it’s forbidden, and don’t burn agricultural waste. And if that seems like too much, remember—90% of fires are our fault. Can we change this? Or will we just keep watching our forests burn before our eyes?
Share your thoughts, tell a story from nature, or just drop a sarcastic comment—let’s see who really wants change and who just likes watching the fire from afar!
