Ein halbes Jahr nach dem Brand: Lagerhaus funktioniert, Feuerwehrmänner reicher

50,000 Euros Donated to Ljubljana Firefighters On December 14, 2025, a major fire broke out at a logistics center operated by Spar Slovenia on Letališka cesta in Ljubljana. The blaze affected both the cold storage systems and the bakery within the facility, leading to extensive damage. According to reports, the fire covered several thousand square meters and resulted in an estimated loss of 40 million euros. A total of 392 firefighters, including 94 vehicles, were deployed during the operation, with all personnel remaining unharmed. In the aftermath of the incident, Spar Slovenia has taken steps to support the city’s emergency services. On June 14, 2026, the company donated 50,000 euros to the Public Fire Service of Ljubljana. This contribution is intended to develop and implement a mobile system of reception centers aimed at improving the coordination and management of large-scale interventions. The donation was presented at a press conference attended by representatives of the fire service and local media. The donation marks the culmination of a long-term initiative by the fire service to enhance operational readiness through the deployment of mobile reception units. These units are designed to facilitate faster response times, real-time tracking of firefighting teams, and improved safety measures for both firefighters and other responding agencies. According to Poveljnik (Commander) of the Ljubljana Fire Department, Tine Juvan, the project represents a significant step forward in strengthening the operational capabilities of Ljubljana's firefighters. Juvan explained that the concept of mobile reception centers was developed over several years based on experiences gained from high-profile incidents, including the December 2025 fire. He emphasized that the new system will enable more efficient organization, documentation, dispatch, and monitoring of intervention teams, ultimately leading to better-coordinated responses to complex emergencies. The system will include four fully equipped mobile reception centers located throughout the area served by the public fire service. One of these units has already been activated by the volunteer fire department in Brdo, while another is currently being established in Nadgorica. Each reception center is equipped with a fire truck, a radio communication unit, computer hardware, a generator, and trained personnel. Juvan noted that two units, equivalent to 20 firefighters, are initially planned, though this number may need expansion due to the involvement of volunteers who are not always available on standby. The donation has been described by David Kovačič, CEO of Spar Slovenia, as not just an expression of gratitude for the firefighters' assistance during the fire but also an investment in future safety. “This support allows us to take proven, professional solutions from paper into daily operational use,” he stated. Kovačič added that the reconstruction of the damaged warehouse has been completed, and the facility is once again fully operational. The primary focus of the repairs was restoring the refrigeration systems, which were severely damaged by the heat of the fire. Despite the successful restoration of the warehouse, the cause of the fire remains unknown. Investigations have concluded, yet the exact origin has not been determined, leaving it as an unresolved mystery. Additionally, Spar has begun constructing a new warehouse, which is scheduled to open early in the following year. This new facility was originally planned before the fire occurred. The fire had a significant impact on the operations of Spar Slovenia, particularly affecting its cold storage and baking facilities. However, the company managed to maintain supply chain continuity by sourcing alternative suppliers and adjusting production processes. While the bakery was temporarily impacted, most products continue to be baked directly in stores, with frozen goods delivered to ensure uninterrupted availability. The donation to the fire service reflects a broader commitment to collaboration between private enterprises and public institutions in enhancing community resilience. As the new mobile reception system becomes operational, it is expected to significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency response efforts in Ljubljana.