“AS IF SOMETHING CALLED ME”: Firefighter Srđan found an untouched icon in the fiery inferno! (PHOTO)

Everything burned in the fire that engulfed the area between Donja Vrežina and Malča on June 15. A wild landfill and grass were burning. However, in the midst of the scorched earth, while the fire was still burning, firefighters came across a box-like object. Although he never does this, and in such situations, they focus on saving lives, the leader of the fire group in the Niš Fire and Rescue Brigade, Srđan Mihajlović, bent down and picked it up. Only then did he realize it was an icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. It remained completely untouched, even though everything around it was engulfed in flames.

“We received a report about a dry vegetation fire at a location between Donja Vrežina and Malča. We immediately set off – two professional firefighters from the brigade and two members of the ‘Sinđelić’ Volunteer Fire Department. Upon arrival, we determined that dry grass, low vegetation, and a wild landfill were burning,” Mihajlović begins his story.

He says they began to localize the fire.

“My colleague was pulling the hose, water was flowing, we were fighting the fire… And at that moment, something caught my eye. I saw a box, turned it over, and saw the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. Undamaged, in the middle of the scorched earth. It was as if something called me. I can’t describe that feeling to you – joy, happiness, and disbelief all alternated within me,” Mihajlović explains.

He adds that after hundreds of fires and rescue operations he had, this was the first time he touched an object.

“We never turn over objects. We are concentrated on the fire. We just pass by objects, maybe glance at them. This time I had a feeling I had to pick up that object.”

The icon is now in the premises of the Fire and Rescue Brigade.

“It will stay with us. To watch over us firefighters. To protect us,” said the firefighter from Niš.

The Commander of the Fire and Rescue Brigade in Niš, Marko Radovanović, emphasized that such moments are remembered forever.

“Every intervention of ours has its own story. Unfortunately, in the field, we mostly encounter fire victims. This is an event that touched all of us. An icon measuring 10 by 20 centimeters, completely untouched in the middle of a fire, that sight cannot but evoke emotions in you. It truly is a miracle, because it happened at a moment when a huge area was engulfed in fire, and my colleague still noticed that small icon.”

Radovanović took the opportunity to appeal to citizens to be careful, especially during the summer months.

“We are now entering the summer period, when temperatures are high and the risk of fire is great. Burning plant remains, leaves, and branches in open spaces is prohibited by law. Fines are high – from 10,000 dinars for individuals, up to one million for legal entities. The ban also applies to starting fires in forests and within 200 meters of a forest.”

He also reminded them of the obligation to report fires.

“Citizens are obliged to report every fire to the number 193. If they are able, they can try to react safely until the crew arrives.”