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The fire in Karlovac exposed an illegal discharge: the polluted river Mrežnica
Croatia🏛️ PoliticsCenter9/2/2026

The fire in Karlovac exposed an illegal discharge: the polluted river Mrežnica

A large fire at the business zone Mala Švarča in Karlovac destroyed two factories, Nova Chem and Gavranović. Firefighters discovered illegal drainage leading contaminated water from the fire site directly into the Mrežnica River, which then flows into the Korana. The firefighters attempted to prevent the firefighting water from entering the river but found the river heavily polluted. They sealed off the illegal discharge and used temporary barriers made from compost bags and floating dams. Authorities were alerted, and residents were warned against swimming in the Mrežnica. Water samples were taken for analysis. Initial tests showed minimal air pollution, though the smell and smoke caused concern. The fire caused significant damage, estimated at several million euros. Police are now investigating the cause of the fire with forensic experts.

Authorities in Karlovac have issued a ban on swimming in two rivers following a large fire in the commercial zone of Mala Švarča. The restriction applies to the Mrežnica and Korana rivers downstream from Mala Švarča, including the Foginovo bathing area. This comes after initial measurements by the Public Health Institute of Karlovac County showed no air pollution in Karlovac itself, but confirmed water contamination in both rivers due to firefighting water runoff from the blaze. The fire occurred in the commercial area of Mala Švarča, prompting emergency services to deploy significant amounts of water to extinguish the flames. This water, mixed with potential contaminants from the fire site, flowed into the Mrežnica River and subsequently into the Korana River. As a result, local authorities have deemed the waters unsafe for recreational activities such as swimming. Residents were informed of the ban at 3:01 p.m. through messages sent via the SRUUK system, which is used for public alerts in the region. According to the city’s official statement, the prohibition includes all areas of the Mrežnica River from the fire suppression point down to its confluence with the Korana River. Additionally, the Korana River is closed to swimming from this confluence down to its mouth in the Kupa River. The decision follows environmental assessments conducted by health officials who tested water samples from both rivers. While air quality in Karlovac remained unaffected, concerns over water purity led to immediate action. Authorities emphasized that further updates would be provided to the public as more information becomes available. Local officials have been monitoring the situation closely, ensuring that the affected river sections remain off-limits until tests confirm the water is safe again. Emergency teams continue to assess the extent of contamination and work on mitigating any long-term effects on the environment and public health. Environmental experts warn that runoff from fires can carry harmful substances into nearby water bodies, posing risks to both human health and aquatic ecosystems. In response, the city has urged residents to avoid contact with the contaminated waters and to follow any additional guidelines issued by local authorities. The incident highlights the need for careful management of industrial zones near natural water sources. Firefighters and environmental agencies are collaborating to determine the best course of action for restoring the rivers to their previous state. Until then, the ban on swimming remains in effect, with regular checks planned to monitor water conditions. Public health officials have set up temporary information points to keep residents updated on developments. They are also advising anyone who may have come into contact with the contaminated water to seek medical attention if they experience any adverse symptoms. The city administration has pledged to provide timely updates and support to affected communities throughout the cleanup process. Further testing will be conducted in the coming days to evaluate the impact of the fire on the surrounding environment. Officials are preparing contingency plans should the contamination prove to be more extensive than initially anticipated. For now, the focus remains on protecting public health and ensuring the safety of local water resources.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 3 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

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3 reports

N1 Hrvatska logoN1 HrvatskaIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 809/1/2026
The fire in Karlovac exposed an illegal discharge: the polluted river Mrežnica

A large fire at the business zone Mala Švarča in Karlovac destroyed two factories, Nova Chem and Gavranović. Firefighters discovered illegal drainage leading contaminated water from the fire site directly into the Mrežnica River, which then flows into the Korana. The firefighters attempted to prevent the firefighting water from entering the river but found the river heavily polluted. They sealed off the illegal discharge and used temporary barriers made from compost bags and floating dams. Authorities were alerted, and residents were warned against swimming in the Mrežnica. Water samples were taken for analysis. Initial tests showed minimal air pollution, though the smell and smoke caused concern. The fire caused significant damage, estimated at several million euros. Police are now investigating the cause of the fire with forensic experts.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual report on an environmental incident without overt ideological framing. While the issue of illegal discharges and environmental contamination is politically sensitive, the reporting remains neutral, focusing on the event itself rather than taking a clear partisan stance

Why factuality (90): This article closely follows the primary source document, accurately reporting the discovery of the illegal drain, the contamination of the rivers, and the actions taken by firefighters. It includes direct quotes from Miroslav Rade and references the involvement of the Ivan Vučetić Center. Minor dif

Why objectivity (80): The article presents the facts in a balanced manner, avoiding strong language or opinionated statements. It provides context about both the fire and the environmental impact while maintaining a neutral tone throughout.

HRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija) logoHRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija)State / PublicCenterFactual 85Objective 759/2/2026
The ban on bathing on the Koran remains, new samples sent for examination

The ban on swimming at Korana remains in place due to ongoing concerns over water pollution caused by firefighting efforts during a recent fire at Nova Chem factory in Karlovac. The fire, which occurred three days ago, has led to contamination of the Mrežnica river through improper discharge of firefighting water into the river rather than the sewage system. Although initial water quality tests show good results, further testing is required before the swimming ban is lifted. Authorities continue monitoring the situation, with emergency services still on standby until the area is declared safe.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information regarding environmental safety measures and public health concerns related to a fire incident. It does not take a clear ideological stance but reports on regulatory actions and ongoing investigations. While there is some emphasis on governmental oversight and

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the fire at Nova Chem and Gavranović, mentions the illegal drain leading to contamination of the river, and quotes Miroslav Rade regarding ongoing firefighting efforts. However, it omits some details from the primary source such as the specific actions taken by firefig

Why objectivity (75): The article maintains a relatively neutral tone but shows some bias by emphasizing the ongoing nature of the situation and the uncertainty around the cause of the fire. The repeated mention of 'novi uzorci' (new samples) may imply an ongoing issue rather than a resolved one.

Jutarnji list logoJutarnji listIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 758/31/2026
The Karlovy Vary fire alarm has sounded again: No bathing in two rivers!

The local health institute in Karlovac has confirmed that air quality in the city remains unaffected after a large fire in the Mala Švarč industrial zone. However, water contamination was detected in the rivers Mrežnica and Korana, leading to a ban on swimming in these rivers downstream from Mala Švarč, including at the Foginovo beach. The city of Karlovac announced this restriction through the SRUUK emergency alert system, specifying that the ban applies from the fire site along the Mrežnica River to its confluence with the Korana River, and then continues along the Korana River to its mouth into the Kupa River. Residents were informed of the ban via the SRUUK system at 15:01.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on environmental and public safety measures taken by local authorities in response to a fire incident. It presents factual information regarding water contamination and the resulting restrictions without apparent ideological framing or biased language. The focus is on public通告和安全

Why factuality (85): The article reports on the fire in Mala Švarča and the subsequent water contamination in Mrežnica and Korana, leading to a ban on swimming. It cites the Zavod za javno zdravstvo Karlovačke županije and the City of Karlovac as sources, aligning with the cross-source consensus that the pollution occur

Why objectivity (75): The tone is informative but slightly leans towards presenting the official stance, particularly through the mention of SRUUK and the city’s announcement. While not overtly biased, there is a slight emphasis on the authority’s actions rather than independent verification.

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