A second fire in a short period at the abandoned former Uljanik barracks has prompted the City of Pula to demand an urgent response from the state and co-owners. They warn that the safety of citizens and nearby institutions is at risk.
After a fire broke out again early this morning, on August 11, 2026, in the abandoned building of the former Uljanik barracks, known as 'Saura', the City of Pula authorities sent an urgent letter to the Ministry of Physical Planning, Construction and State Assets, the company State Real Estate, and co-owner LNS International Limited. The request is clear: secure the property without delay.
From the City of Pula, they emphasize that the long-term neglect of the building is no longer just an aesthetic issue but a serious threat to the safety of people and property. 'The safety of citizens must not be held hostage by the unresolved status of the property. This second fire is a serious warning, and we expect those in charge to take it as such-as a call for urgent and concrete action,' said city officials.
The report of the fire in the building on cadastral plot zgr. 978/1, cadastral municipality Pula, was received at 5:45 a.m. Four fire trucks responded to the scene. Initial reports mentioned nine firefighters at the intervention, but according to data from the Pula Public Fire Brigade, a total of 14 firefighters took part in extinguishing the fire.
Ivica Rojnić, commander of the Pula Public Fire Brigade, told Istri24: 'Around 6:20 a.m., the fire was contained, and it will soon be extinguished.' Thick smoke was coming from several parts of the building, and the fire affected at least two floors, breaking through windows and creating a large column of smoke that spread over the wider city area. After containment, firefighters continued with extinguishing and securing the fire site.
Adding to the concern is the location of 'Saura'. In its immediate vicinity are buildings housing the County and Municipal State Attorney's Offices, the land registry department of the Pula Municipal Court, and the Pula Down Syndrome Center, as well as a number of residential buildings. The City warns that any new incident could have far more serious consequences.
The City of Pula is demanding that the owners and managers of the building urgently close and secure all entrances, windows, and other access points to prevent unauthorized entry. They also require the introduction of constant or enhanced surveillance, the removal of flammable materials from the interior, and a check of installations.
From the City, they stated they are ready to provide all necessary cooperation to state bodies, police, firefighters, and inspections to secure the building as soon as possible. So far, there is no information about injuries or the cause of the fire.
