Russian pilots extinguished forest fires in Serbia in extreme conditions – at temperatures above +40°C, heavy smoke, and limited visibility in mountainous terrain. This was stated to journalists by the commander of the Il-76 crew of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, Andrey Vislov.

The greatest threat was the fire in the Deliblatska Peščara nature reserve – the area of the fire exceeded 3,500 hectares. The complex terrain and lack of water prevented ground forces from working effectively. The aircraft also extinguished fires on Mount Suva Planina, in the Stolovi areas near Kraljevo and Lukovo near Vranje. The Il-76 worked in conjunction with two Ka-32 helicopters and Serbian firefighters.

The special aircraft of the Ministry of Emergency Situations was in Serbia from August 19 and completed its mission on September 18, departing from Niš airport. The aircraft returned to Zhukovsky, Moscow region, where the crew was met by relatives and colleagues, and passengers applauded the pilots. On the first day of work, the crew performed five sorties and dropped 210 tons of water.