Firefighters have issued a stern warning against using drones to film wildfires, citing the potential danger they pose to both emergency crews and aerial firefighting operations. The alert came following a recent incident near the village of Vrsi in Zadar County, where drone activity led to the temporary suspension of aerial firefighting efforts. According to reports from local media, the Croatian Fire Department (HVZ) emphasized that drones can interfere with critical rescue missions, potentially endangering lives and delaying fire suppression efforts. The incident near Vrsi occurred during an active wildfire, prompting firefighters to halt operations until the drone was removed from the area. Officials explained that the presence of drones in such environments poses a serious risk, particularly to the safety of pilots operating aerial firefighting aircraft. They warned that even a minor collision could cause severe damage to these specialized planes, which are essential in combating large-scale fires. In some cases, such interference could lead to the complete shutdown of aerial interventions, significantly worsening the situation on the ground. In addition to the threat posed by drones, firefighters have also raised concerns about other factors that can impede their work. For example, boats approaching areas where aerial units are collecting water from lakes or the sea can disrupt the operation and compromise flight safety. These disruptions can delay crucial water drops and hinder the effectiveness of firefighting efforts. As a result, authorities have urged the public to avoid interfering with ongoing operations, whether through the use of drones, personal vehicles, or foot traffic near fire zones. Residents are being advised to stay clear of fire sites altogether unless directly involved in emergency response. Those who wish to observe firefighting activities should contact the fire department immediately upon spotting a fire. The number to call is 193, ensuring rapid response and minimizing delays in intervention. Firefighters have reiterated that unauthorized drone use for filming wildfires will be reported to the police, underscoring the seriousness of the issue. The warnings come amid a period of heightened wildfire activity across several regions of Croatia. In the past few days, multiple fires have been reported in Istria, Split-Dalmatia, and Zadar counties. In one instance, a fire near Bokanjca in Zadar County required the deployment of four Canadairs, specialized aerial firefighting aircraft, to contain the blaze. Despite the challenges, firefighters managed to bring the situation under control, though the incident highlighted the need for strict adherence to safety protocols. Other notable incidents include a fire in the area of Mandalenčić (Gračišće-Pazin), where two Canadairs were deployed alongside ground teams to manage the spread of flames. Meanwhile, in the Split-Dalmatian region, a fire near Debelo Brdo-Ravnog Vrdova has remained under observation, with three Canadairs and three Air Tractors providing aerial support. These efforts reflect the scale of resources being mobilized to combat the growing threat of wildfires. Throughout these operations, the Croatian Fire Department has maintained a consistent message: the use of drones, boats, and unregulated access to fire zones must be avoided. Public awareness campaigns have been launched to ensure compliance with these guidelines, emphasizing that even well-intentioned actions can have dire consequences. Authorities stress that while documentation of emergencies can serve educational purposes, it should never come at the expense of firefighter safety or operational efficiency. As the summer season continues, the risk of wildfires remains high due to dry conditions and increased temperatures. Firefighters are working tirelessly to prevent further outbreaks and ensure that existing fires are contained as quickly as possible. Their calls for public cooperation underscore the importance of community involvement in maintaining fire safety standards. With continued vigilance and adherence to official guidance, the hope is that future incidents will be minimized, allowing firefighters to focus solely on protecting lives and property.
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