Fire at Lipica extinguished, firefighters preemptively water the edge of the fire

Firefighters continue battling wildfires near the border areas of Slovenia and Italy, with multiple incidents reported over recent days. The situation remains critical as flames threaten both natural landscapes and populated regions. In particular, a fire burning between Tržič and Devin in northern Italy has drawn attention due to its proximity to the Slovenian border. Local authorities have requested aerial firefighting support, including water-dropping aircraft, to help contain the blaze. According to Igor Gabrovec, mayor of the municipality of Devin Nabrežina, firefighters are working tirelessly to control the fire, which has spread through forested areas near inhabited zones. Wind conditions remain a concern, as they could potentially reignite parts of the fire. The fire broke out on Saturday and has since been under control during the night, though efforts continue into the day. Fire crews are monitoring wind patterns and individual flare-ups carefully. A state road, SS14, remains closed to facilitate firefighting operations. Italian media outlet Rai reported that the fire started in woodland areas near Štivan and Tržič, with smoke visible several kilometers away. Additional fires have been reported in nearby regions, including near Amaro and Tolmeč on the Videmsko plateau, where aerial assistance has been deployed. In the Slovenian Alps, another fire erupted early on Monday morning on the slopes of Mount Male Krnica in the municipality of Bovec. Smoke was spotted above the fortress of Kluže, prompting local firefighters and volunteers to respond swiftly. A drone survey confirmed the presence of the fire, while a military helicopter from the Slovenian Armed Forces assisted in extinguishing the blaze. By late afternoon, the fire had been contained, according to Uroš Kemper, leader of the intervention team. Two firefighters remained on site to ensure the area remained safe. This incident follows previous challenges faced by firefighters in the region, including a large fire in the steep terrain of Planje, which burned approximately 12 hectares of forest. Meanwhile, a separate wildfire near Lipica, close to the Italian border, was brought under control on Wednesday evening after burning around 4.5 hectares of grassland and forest. The fire is believed to have been sparked by lightning during a storm earlier in the week. Approximately 77 firefighters from Slovenia, supported by Italian colleagues, worked to suppress the flames. Today, preventive measures include watering the perimeter of the burn area to reduce the risk of resurgence. Alan Pale from the Sežana Fire and Rescue Service noted that the operation involved cooperation among various agencies, including police, forestry officials, and representatives from the Lipica horse breeding facility. Further south, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a major wildfire near Konjic has escalated dramatically. The fire, which began last week, has grown significantly, threatening residential buildings and prompting local authorities to declare a state of natural disaster. Reports indicate that the fire has spread dangerously close to inhabited areas, particularly in the village of Džepi, where abandoned structures were destroyed. A new fire broke out in the village of Živašnica, further intensifying concerns. Authorities have sought international assistance, requesting aerial support from air tractor planes and helicopters operated by armed forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The situation remains volatile, with high temperatures, strong winds, and difficult terrain complicating firefighting efforts. In the Julian Alps, firefighters are still dealing with a subterranean fire beneath the slopes of Srednji Vrh, near Gozd Martuljek. The fire was first detected on Friday morning and has required extensive ground work, including digging trenches to prevent the spread of underground flames. Helicopters have been used to deliver water from Lake Jasna, while earlier efforts involved air tankers drawing water from Lake Bled and the Brnik Air Base. Despite these efforts, small hotspots persist, requiring continued vigilance. Jožef Lavtižar, commander of the Kranjska Gora Fire Department, stated that the operation is ongoing, with the possibility of concluding the intervention soon. However, limited rainfall has not significantly aided the effort, and the situation remains challenging. As these wildfires continue to pose threats to both natural environments and communities, emergency services across the affected regions remain on high alert. The coordination between national and international firefighting teams highlights the severity of the current crisis, with each incident underscoring the need for sustained efforts to protect vulnerable ecosystems and human settlements.