Third Garbage Fire in Four Days, Firefighters Used 10,000 Liters of Water
Firefighters from Mursko Središće appeal to citizens after waste and tire fire in Sitnice settlement broke out for the third time in a week.
Firefighters from Mursko Središće appeal to citizens after waste and tire fire in Sitnice settlement broke out for the third time in a week.
A fire involving garbage and tires broke out in the evening hours of August 7, 2026, in the Sitnice settlement, marking the third intervention by firefighters from Mursko Središće due to waste burning in just four days. The report was received at 8:23 PM, and four firefighters with an attack vehicle responded five minutes later, at 8:28 PM.
Upon arrival, firefighters found fires at multiple locations. At one site, a larger pile of garbage and waste was burning, while two smaller piles nearby were also engulfed in flames. The extinguishing operation quickly became complicated, and due to the great distance from the hydrant network, a water tanker from the Čakovec Public Fire Brigade was called in for assistance.
During the demanding operation, approximately 10,000 liters of water were used. Firefighters explained that their own water tanker was not available because it is currently stationed on the coast during the fire season, where it has been temporarily assigned to another volunteer fire department. It is expected to return to Mursko Središće after the season ends.
Although the operation officially ended at 10:10 PM, the work for the firefighters was not over. Upon returning to the station, they had to clean up and replace used equipment: wet hoses were hung to dry, dry ones were returned to storage, breathing apparatus cylinders were replaced, and the vehicle and all equipment were restored to full readiness for the next call. Officers from the Mursko Središće Police Station were also present at the scene.
The firefighters of Mursko Središće used this event to issue a serious warning to citizens. They emphasized that in extremely dry weather conditions, burning waste in the open poses a huge danger. Fire from what seems like a small pile of garbage can quickly spread to dry grass, brush, agricultural land, or forest, causing property damage and endangering lives.
They particularly stressed that every unnecessary intervention further endangers those who come to put out the fire. They reminded that burning waste in the open is strictly prohibited and urged citizens not to burn garbage, plastic, or tires. Their message was clear:
"Let's protect nature, property, and firefighters."
