“Nothing will happen…” – the phrase that sparks wildfires

Every summer, Bosnia and Herzegovina witnesses dozens of wildfires that scar landscapes, communities, and ecosystems. The vast majority—over ninety percent—are result of human carelessness. That means prevention is within our reach.

Protecting forests—in Bosnia and Herzegovina or elsewhere—begins with individual responsibility. The next time you are outdoors, remember that a single careless act can put lives at risk. And remember too, that a single responsible choice can protect them.

See smoke or fire? Call 123 immediately.

Seemingly minor actions can have devastating consequences. A cigarette tossed into dry grass, a glass bottle abandoned in the sun, or a campfire left smouldering can be enough to set an entire hillside ablaze. Sparks from machinery or even a lost lighter left behind in nature can become the trigger for uncontrollable conflagration. Each year, these avoidable actions put wildlife, endemic forests, homes, and lives at risk.

“Nothing will happen.” “It’s just one cigarette.” “Don’t worry, it will be fine.” These are phrases we have all heard, perhaps even said ourselves. Yet these words often precede tragedy. Negligence is the spark that ignites forests. Breaking this cycle begins by recognising our responsibility.

Protect forests and lives

The campaign “If You Protect Forests, You Protect Lives” calls on citizens to take that responsibility seriously. At the heart of the campaign is the “No-Spark Pledge” (Šume bez iskre). Citizens, schools, hiking clubs, scouts, and firefighters are invited to commit to one small action—such as pocketing cigarette butts, fully extinguishing embers, or carrying glass away—capture it in a photo, and share it with the hashtag #ŠumeBezIskre. Together, these everyday actions build a visible movement of responsibility, setting an example for others to follow.

A project rooted in prevention and innovation

This campaign is part of the FIRES Project (Forefront Initiative for Rapid Early Suppression – Early Warning of Forest Fires), implemented by People in Need with financial support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, in partnership with the Municipality of Jablanica, the Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Environmental Protection of HNC, the City of Konjic, the City of Trebinje, and the Municipality of Čitluk.

FIRES strengthens early detection and rapid response capacities using thermal drones, smoke detectors, mountain-top cameras, and advanced communication tools to enable early intervention. But, since most fires start with us, they can also end with us.