The Divine Firefighters' Emotional Record: We are still only human for protective suits

In late August 2026, Kidričevo will host a day dedicated to firefighters, featuring water activities, adrenaline-filled experiences, and educational displays aimed at raising public awareness about emergency services. The event, titled "Day with Firefighters" by PGD Talum Kidričevo, will take place at Park Mladosti starting at 3 PM on Saturday, August 29. Attendees can expect a range of activities including a large foam party, water games, rides on fire truck ladders, zip lines, and inflatable play areas. The event aims to provide both entertainment and insight into the work of firefighters and other emergency responders such as the Civil Protection, Police, Emergency Medical Services from Ptuj, and professional firefighters from Vargasal. The event will include demonstrations of first aid, allowing children to get hands-on experience with firefighting equipment and briefly step into the role of young firefighters. A prize game will also be available for participants who complete a coupon found in promotional materials related to the event. Organizers hope to attract families, friends, and anyone looking for a fun, action-packed summer day filled with laughter, excitement, and unforgettable memories. Meanwhile, in Croatia, firefighters have been dealing with a surge in wildfires, particularly in areas like Omiš and Pelješac. On the night of August 14, 2026, Zagreb's firefighters were dispatched to assist in Omiš after a major fire broke out. However, they received new instructions mid-journey and were redirected to Pelješac instead. According to Tomislav Resman, deputy commander of the Public Fire Department in Zagreb, the order came around 11 PM. He explained that one team usually consists of 25 firefighters with eight vehicles, but due to the high demand, they ended up sending 33 firefighters with 11 vehicles. Resman noted that while the exact cause of the fire would be determined by the police, common causes often involve human negligence such as discarded cigarettes, sparks from electrical wires, improper smoking practices, and sparks generated during construction work. He emphasized that the dry vegetation and increased number of fires in open spaces have made the situation more challenging for firefighters. Additionally, he mentioned that many residents have old air conditioning units that lack proper cooling agents, leading to frequent overheating and potential fire hazards during heatwaves. Firefighters have also faced challenges from false fire alarms, which add unnecessary strain on their resources. Resman shared an example from the area of Lučka, where someone falsely reported a grass fire early in the morning. Upon arrival, firefighters found no fire, indicating that the person had decided to play a prank on them. Such incidents highlight the additional difficulties firefighters face beyond actual emergencies. In Dalmatia, firefighters continue to battle devastating wildfires that have claimed one life so far. Photos posted on the Facebook profile of Vatrogasci - 193 show exhausted firefighters from Pučišća on the island of Brač, where a large fire erupted overnight. During the firefighting efforts, four Slovenian firefighters also assisted. The images capture firefighters resting briefly by their vehicles and equipment, using mobile phones to monitor developments at other fire sites. These photos have garnered widespread attention, highlighting the dedication and camaraderie among firefighters as they fight against the flames. The photographs depict weary firefighters taking a moment to rest and recharge before continuing their critical work. Despite the physical exhaustion, they remain vigilant, monitoring the situation at other fire locations. Social media users have responded emotionally, expressing gratitude and admiration for the firefighters' bravery and resilience. Comments such as "You are our heroes," "Thank you, thank you, and once again thank you," and "While others run away, they stand up to the fiery jaws" reflect the deep respect and appreciation felt by the public towards these emergency workers.