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August 18, 2026

Serbia: Fires, heatwave, and media shake-up grip the nation — FrontPages.eu, August 18, 2026

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Serbia

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

🌡️ Heatwave

Serbia is currently battling 45 active fires across the country, with one fatality reported in Smederevo and the Deliblatska Peščara region being particularly hard-hit with over 3,500 hectares ablaze. This comes as the Republic Hydrometeorological Service issues warnings for a new severe heatwave, with temperatures expected to soar up to 42 degrees Celsius, intensifying the ongoing drought. The dry conditions have already caused corn yields in Vojvodina to drop by as much as 60 percent. In the media sector, directors at several outlets, including Danas, N1, Nova, and Radar, have been replaced, prompting media unions to condemn the dismissals and pledge to protect journalistic integrity. This development follows earlier reports of a looming media shake-up. Concerns over intimidation are also highlighted by an incident involving a prosecutor's car burning, with questions raised about the President's response. Additionally, the Belgrade Waterfront project is set for further expansion, covering a total area of 347 hectares.

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Serbia is grappling with 45 active fires, including a fatality in Smederevo and a critical situation in Deliblatska Peščara where thousands of hectares are burning. The country is bracing for a new heatwave with temperatures expected to reach 42 degrees Celsius, which is significantly impacting agriculture, with corn yields in Vojvodina reduced by up to 60%.

Vreme: Serbia Battles 45 Fires, Deliblatska Peščara Affected

Serbia is currently dealing with 45 active fires, with the most critical situation in Deliblatska Peščara, where over 3,500 hectares of forest and shrubland are ablaze. The Emergency Sector responded to 201 interventions yesterday, 146 of which were outdoor fires, and one person died in a fire in…

Insajder: One Person Dead in Smederevo Fire; Winds Fueling Blazes, Deliblatska Pescara…

A fire in Smederevo has resulted in one fatality, with strong winds exacerbating blazes in the Stolovi region and making the Deliblatska Pescara area the most critical. The Sector for Emergency Situations reported 201 interventions, including 146 open-field fires, in the past day.

Vreme: New Heatwave Expected: Temperatures to Exceed 40 Degrees Celsius

Following a brief cool spell, Serbia is bracing for a new heatwave starting Thursday, with temperatures potentially reaching 42 degrees Celsius in the hottest regions. The Republic Hydrometeorological Service has issued a warning valid from August 20th to 25th.

Danas: When Will a New Heatwave Start and How Long Will It Last?

The article provides information on the timing and expected duration of an upcoming heatwave.

Insajder: RHMZ: Severe Heatwave from Thursday, Temperatures Up to 42 Degrees

The Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia (RHMZ) forecasts a strong heatwave starting Thursday, with temperatures potentially reaching 42 degrees Celsius.

Insajder: Due to Drought, Corn Yields in Vojvodina Down by Up to 60%: Is Farming Still…

The severe drought has led to a reduction in corn yields by up to 60% in the Vojvodina region, raising questions about the profitability of farming for Serbian agricultural producers. Includes a video.

Insajder: Nikolić on Climate Change Impact on Economy: More Luck Than Sense Until Now…

Vladimir Nikolić discusses the economic impact of climate change, stating that Serbia has relied more on luck than foresight in the past, but this year is proving more challenging. The story includes a video.

Directors at several key media outlets, including Danas, N1, Nova, and Radar, have been replaced, leading media unions to condemn the move and vow to protect journalism. This comes amidst ongoing investigations into alleged financing of hate speech and local intimidation tactics by certain media outlets, and an incident where a prosecutor's car burned, prompting public discussion about accountability and President Vučić's response.

Danas: Directors of Danas, N1, Nova, and Radar Replaced

Reports indicate a change in leadership at several media outlets, with Pedro Vargas Santos David registered as the new director.

Nova: Media Unions Condemn Director Dismissals, Vow to Protect Journalism

Trade unions of Nova.rs, Radar, N1, and Forbes have condemned the manner in which directors were dismissed, stating they will not accept journalism becoming anyone's 'plunder'.

N1: Financing Hate Speech: "Targeting and Intimidation Locally - Scorched Earth"…

This article investigates the alleged role of media outlets, specifically "clones" of Informer and Alo, in targeting and intimidating individuals locally, suggesting a 'scorched earth' tactic.

Danas: Why Vučić Cannot Remain Silent While Prosecutor's Car Burns

A personal opinion piece discusses the political implications of an incident involving the President and a prosecutor's vehicle.

The 'Belgrade Waterfront' project is expanding its construction area to encompass a total of 347 hectares, reigniting debates about urban development and land use in the capital.

Danas: Belgrade Waterfront Expands to 347 Hectares

The 'Belgrade Waterfront' project is expanding its construction area to a total of 347 hectares, sparking debate about urban development and land use.

An investigation by N1 reveals that Goran Vesić, a public official and former Minister of Construction, was released from custody due to a technical error, rather than being detained as intended.

N1: N1 Learns: Vesić Released Instead of Detained Due to Technical Error

An N1 investigation reveals that a public official, Vesić, was released from custody due to a technical error, instead of remaining detained.

In Novi Sad, a man was reportedly forced into a Mercedes 'G-Class' vehicle, with neighbors witnessing the incident and alerting the police.

Nova: Kidnapping in Novi Sad: Man Forced into 'G-Class', Neighbors Alerted Police

A man was reportedly forced into a Mercedes G-Class in Novi Sad, with neighbors calling the police after witnessing the incident.

The opposition party New DSS has held meetings with members of Germany's AfD, a move that has drawn political commentary and criticism regarding their vision for Serbia's future.

Danas: Opposition DSS Met with Germany's AfD, Criticized

A political commentary discusses the opposition party New DSS's meetings with members of Germany's AfD, questioning their future vision for Serbia.

Dželebdžić has commented on the government's reaction to the Shanghai List, suggesting that Macut prioritized a political role. Separately, an article explores the controversial decision by Dr. Milić to appoint a student to head a committee in Novi Sad.

N1: Dželebdžić on Authorities' Reaction to Shanghai List: Macut Chose Political…

Dželebdžić comments on the government's reaction to the Shanghai List, suggesting that Macut prioritized a political role over his academic career as a professor.

N1: What's Behind Dr. Milić's Decision to Appoint a Student to Head a Committee in…

An article exploring the reasons behind Dr. Milić's controversial decision to appoint a student to lead a committee in Novi Sad.

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