Summer Fire Ignition Could Cost You €19,900 or 60 Days in Jail
Due to drought and high temperatures, strict bans on open-air fires are in effect, and firefighters warn that penalties are no longer just misdemeanors.
Due to drought and high temperatures, strict bans on open-air fires are in effect, and firefighters warn that penalties are no longer just misdemeanors.
The summer months bring high temperatures and drought, along with an increased risk of fires. As a result, bans on open-air fires are in effect across Croatia, and citizens who violate them face serious consequences. Penalties for irresponsible behavior reach up to nearly €20,000, and in some cases, imprisonment is also a possibility.
Fire Chief Goran Franković emphasizes that violating the ban no longer needs to be treated merely as a misdemeanor. "The prescribed fines range from €1,990 to €19,900, with an alternative of up to 60 days in prison," Franković warns. This means that careless burning of weeds or grilling in the wrong place can result not only in a hefty fine but also in criminal liability.
In Karlovac County, an explicit ban on open-air fires is in effect until the end of September 2026. It applies to agricultural land, areas near forests, forests themselves and forest roads, waste disposal sites, city parks, and all other open spaces where fire is not under control. Interior Minister Davor Božinović has supported such decisions by local and regional authorities, emphasizing that irresponsible burning of weeds and open fires are among the most common causes of fires.
The seriousness of the situation is confirmed by a recent fire in the Zadar area, which required four Canadair aircraft to extinguish. Police are conducting an investigation, and human negligence is suspected as the cause. This incident further underscores the importance of respecting bans and exercising caution during the summer months.
Many people wonder if there is a ban on grilling in their own backyard. Franković explains that fire in controlled conditions and in a suitable fireplace is not classified as a fire. However, he stresses that open-air fire can quickly escalate into a major disaster. Liability does not only threaten those who start a fire-individuals who notice a fire but fail to report it or take action to prevent its spread can also face criminal charges.
Therefore, firefighters urge citizens to respect the bans, not to burn grass or waste, and to immediately report any smoke or fire to 112.
