(PHOTO) Feuer im Rooster Coffee im Zentrum von Maribor, Rauch in den Studentenzimmern

Around 10:45 PM local time on Saturday, a fire broke out in the Rooster Coffee café located at 10 October Street in the centre of Maribor. The blaze originated in the coffee roasting machine, spreading into the chimney, where sparks were visible. Thick smoke filled the area, with some residents reporting that it appeared as though the fire had reached the roof. As the smoke began to spread to upper floors, approximately 18 foreign students who lived in apartments above the café were evacuated to safety. Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident. The fire was initially reported to authorities around 10:04 PM, with the caller indicating that the coffee roaster was on fire. During the response, emergency services received additional information suggesting that the roof might also be burning. Upon arrival, firefighters confirmed that the fire was confined to the roasting machine, with sparks emanating from the chimney creating the illusion that the roof was ablaze. Firefighters worked quickly to extinguish the flames, remove the damaged equipment, and ventilate the affected areas, including the student dormitories located within the same building. Commanding officer Matej Kraner of the Maribor Fire Department stated that the fire likely resulted from a malfunction in the coffee roasting appliance. He explained that the oven was removed and the fire was put out before being fully ventilated. The team also inspected the attic space, ensuring that all potential hazards were addressed. According to Kraner, the students managed to evacuate themselves before the fire department arrived, which he confirmed was due to their awareness of the situation. Multiple firefighting units responded to the scene, including personnel from the Maribor Fire Department, the Pro Firefighters' Association (PGD) Maribor City, and PGD Studenci. The Maribor Fire Department deployed four vehicles and ten firefighters, while PGD Studenci sent 20 firefighters and four vehicles. PGD Maribor City contributed 12 firefighters and three vehicles. Throughout the operation, communication remained constant, allowing for a coordinated effort to contain the fire and ensure the safety of all individuals present. Gordan Mihajlović, whose family owns the entire building, provided further insight into the situation. He noted that his tenant, Aljaž Smrekar, was inside the café when the fire started. Mihajlović himself was working nearby when his partner called him, alerting him to the presence of numerous fire trucks outside the building. Upon arriving at the scene, he observed the fire and confirmed its location within the property. He expressed relief that no one was harmed, although he acknowledged that the damage was primarily concentrated in the chimney area. He added that the student living spaces appear to have suffered less damage, though the exact extent of the damage remains under assessment. Mihajlović emphasized that the cause of the malfunction in the coffee roasting machine will be determined through a police investigation. Until then, the focus remains on assessing the structural integrity of the building and ensuring that all necessary repairs can proceed safely. The incident has prompted discussions among local officials regarding the need for regular maintenance checks in commercial kitchens, particularly those housing sensitive equipment such as coffee roasters.