Dry and hot weather favors the outbreak of fires, and a recent incident in Koprivnica demonstrated the speed of flame spread. Fire services have issued a series of recommendations and warnings.
Podravina is expecting a heat wave with temperatures that could reach up to 40 degrees Celsius, significantly increasing the risk of outdoor fires and their rapid spread, warn fire services from the Đurđevac and Koprivnica areas.
The Đurđevac Public Fire Department and the City of Đurđevac, as reported by ePodravina, urge all citizens to exercise special caution in the coming days, emphasizing that dry and hot weather favors the outbreak of fires.
"We believe that during this period no one will burn dry branches, weeds, and plant waste on agricultural land, but we are obliged to once again warn citizens of the increased fire risk," said Matija Markešić, commander of the Đurđevac Public Fire Department, for ePodravina.
How quickly a fire can get out of control was demonstrated by a fire that broke out a few days ago in a stream bed in Koprivnica. Someone set waste on fire, and in just a few minutes the flames spread to dry grass and reeds, continuing along the channel and beyond. A swift intervention by the Koprivnica Public Fire Department prevented greater damage, reports Podravski list.
On the Facebook page "What Bothers You - Koprivnica," a resident appealed:
"People, please be smart. Don't burn your trash in dry stream beds. Don't burn anything anywhere now, everything is dry and the wind is blowing."
This very danger is also highlighted by Željko Cvrtila, commander of the Koprivnica Firefighting Association.
"The majority of outdoor fires are still caused by human factors: careless burning of plant waste, discarding cigarette butts, improper use of grills, or sparks from vehicles and machinery. In drought conditions, a single moment of inattention is enough for the fire to spread out of control," said Cvrtila for Podravski list.
Firefighters remind that from June 1 to October 31, a strict ban on lighting fires outdoors is in effect, including burning of plant waste. Citizens are urged to refrain from burning dry branches, weeds, and plant waste, especially during the heat wave and during strong winds. Fires should never be left unattended, and special attention should be paid when grilling and discarding cigarette butts, ePodravina reports.
If burning is absolutely necessary, it may only be done at least 100 meters away from buildings, with mandatory means of extinguishing such as water, sand, or a fire extinguisher.
"For larger burnings, it is necessary to notify the Public Fire Department in advance by calling 193, where citizens will receive instructions on safe burning methods. We remind that high fines are foreseen for non-compliance with prescribed fire protection measures," states a statement from the Đurđevac Public Fire Department, as reported by ePodravina.
Podravski list also provides a list of actions that citizens should avoid:
The Đurđevac Public Fire Department once again reminds:
"If you notice a fire or smoke, immediately call the fire department at 193 or the Emergency Center at 112. Timely reporting can prevent the spread of fire and save lives, property, and nature."
The area of responsibility of the Đurđevac Public Fire Department includes the City of Đurđevac with its suburban settlements and the municipalities of Virje, Molve, Novo Virje, Ferdinandovac, Kloštar Podravski, Kalinovac and Podravske Sesvete, and their firefighters are available to citizens throughout the year.
