Croatian firefighters this year have six canaries, six air tractors and a helicopter

The Croatian firefighting community has announced that this year's fire season is already more intense than last year’s, according to recent reports. A press conference held on Thursday in Divuljama by the Croatian Fire Service highlighted concerns over rising wildfire activity and preparations being made to address the increased threat. The minister of defense, Tomo Medved, confirmed that the Operational Fire Command was established on July 15th, under the leadership of Chief Fire Officer Slavko Tucaković. This new command structure aims to coordinate efforts between the fire service and other relevant agencies to manage the heightened risk effectively.

According to Medved, the area affected by wildfires this year is significantly larger compared to the previous year. Currently, firefighting forces based on the mainland have been deployed along the coastline, covering areas from Brijuni to Mljeto. To monitor these regions, 224 cameras have been installed at 113 locations, providing real-time data about conditions on the ground. For this season, six canoes, six Air Tractors, and a helicopter are available for use in fire prevention and suppression efforts.

During discussions at the coordination meeting, officials addressed the issue of responsibility among private landowners in case of fires. Medved stated that the Ministry of Justice, Administration, and Digital Transformation has been tasked with finding a model to determine the liability of private property owners regarding fire protection. This initiative seeks to ensure that all parties involved take appropriate measures to prevent fires from occurring.

Chief Fire Officer Slavko Tucaković emphasized that the entire firefighting system is prepared for the current season. At present, there are 5,000 firefighters available for the coastal region. Over the past five years, more than 600 vehicles have been acquired, and a total of 10,224 firefighters are fully equipped. By the end of the year, deliveries of 78 forest vehicles, 149 pickup trucks, 34 tankers, and 48 additional tanks are expected.

This year has seen a significant increase in the number of fires affecting vegetation in the coastal area, which has risen by 40 percent compared to the previous year. Additionally, the area burned by wildfires has increased by 74 percent. So far, more than 5,700 hectares have been affected by fires, according to Tucaković. He urged everyone to remain cautious and take necessary precautions to avoid fires altogether, emphasizing that smoke, fire, and ash could reach even islands.

Military forces are also ready to assist in firefighting operations. Brigadier General Željko Ljubas noted that last year, military aircraft conducted around a hundred flights during the first half of the year for firefighting purposes. In contrast, this year, they have already carried out 500 such missions, indicating that this year might be considerably more complex due to the higher frequency of incidents.

The increased number of wildfires and the greater area affected highlight the need for enhanced preparedness and response strategies. With the deployment of advanced equipment and the involvement of both civilian and military resources, authorities are working diligently to mitigate risks and protect communities from potential threats posed by wildfires. As the season progresses, continued vigilance and coordinated efforts will be crucial in managing the situation effectively.