TUCAKOVIĆ AND MEDVED: MODERN TECHNOLOGY IN STEP WITH THE NEW ERA IN THE FIGHT AGAINST FIRE, NO CASUALTIES, THE BURNT AREA IS 70% LESS.
A press conference presenting an analysis of the implementation of the 2025 fire season was held this Monday at the premises of the State Fire Intervention Unit in Divulje.
In addition to Chief Fire Chief Slavko Tucaković, the event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Veterans' Affairs Tomo Medved, President of the Presidency of the Croatian Firefighters' Association Ante Sanader, Prefect of Split-Dalmatia County Blaženko Boban, and Brigadier General Željko Ljubas.
More fires, but significantly smaller burned area
According to the data so far, more fires were recorded in 2025 than last year, but the burned area was reduced by more than 70 percent compared to 2024.
Minister Tomo Medved emphasized that the Croatian Fire Service has achieved a high level of readiness and efficiency. Although some fires have caused property damage, there have been no fatalities this year, neither among firefighters nor among civilians.
Tomo Medved
The importance of surveillance camera systems and aerial observation was particularly emphasized, which allow fires to be detected as soon as possible and then extinguished with optimal force before they spread.
Operational Command in Divulje
The main firefighting effort began on June 16, 2025, when the Operational Fire Command of the Republic of Croatia (OVZ RH) was established in Divulje.
The situation on the ground is monitored in real time, and all activities are coordinated and managed here. The command operates 24/7 throughout the entire period of increased fire danger, from June to September.
Between 10 and 15 employees from the Croatian Fire Brigade (HVZ), the Croatian Armed Forces, and the Ministry of the Interior participate in its work every day.
Such a system enables rapid decision-making and constant communication with county commands and centers (ŽVOC).
Air Force and international aid
For most of the season, Croatia had 6 Canadairs and 6 Air Tractors at its disposal, which participated not only in extinguishing fires in the country, but also in providing assistance to Montenegro, Albania, Israel and Bosnia and Herzegovina, through the European rescEU mechanism. This once again confirmed the solidarity of the Republic of Croatia in providing international assistance.
Medved also recalled the importance of relocating firefighting forces from the continent to the islands, as well as the necessity of solving the problem of neglected and inaccessible plots of land that often become fire hotspots. In cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Environmental Protection, work is already underway to find permanent solutions.
"From Istria to the south - a challenging season"
Chief Fire Chief Slavko Tucaković emphasized that this season has been challenging in the entire area, from Istria to Dubrovnik-Neretva County, and pointed out that 227 cameras have been installed for early detection and rapid response, around 1.000 seasonal firefighters have been employed, and in cooperation with the Croatian Tourist Board, it has been agreed that it will be known where and how many people are at any given time.
Slavko Tucaković
Tucaković added that every fire was extinguished immediately with available forces, and firefighting aircraft and intervention fire units were involved when necessary. There was no need for extraordinary deployment of forces from other counties.
The most burdened – Split-Dalmatia County
The Split-Dalmatia County once again bears a special burden in the firefighting season.
County Fire Chief Ivan Kovačević reminded that this is the most burdened county due to its size, population, inhabited islands and demanding terrain. So far, 4.800 firefighting interventions have been recorded, of which 1.200 are firefighting and 800 are in open areas.
Ivan Kovačević
Only two fires - in Pisak and Krilo Jesenice - exceeded 100 hectares, while last year some fires, such as the one in Tučepi, affected almost 2.000 hectares.
Kovačević also warned about the impact of climate change. Dry thunderstorms are increasingly causing fires in hard-to-reach areas, and changed wind patterns make the situation even more difficult.
The biggest fires of summer 2025:
Pisak (Labin) – June 19th – 21st
Omiš – Makarska – more fires in June
Brač (Bol) – July 18
Šibenik (Bikarac) – July 25
Jesenice Wing – August 11th
Kaštel Sućurac – several times during the season
Metković (Dubravice) – June 30, fire at a landfill
Zadar (Diklo) – July 24
Brač (Milna) – August 14th, due to thunderstorms
Key messages of the conference
In 2025, there will be a higher number of fires, but a significantly smaller burned area (−70% compared to 2024). It is extremely encouraging that there were no fatalities or serious injuries to firefighters or civilians, and everything indicates that the system is functioning effectively thanks to the coordination from the Croatian Fire Service. Every fire is extinguished immediately with the available forces.
Climate change brings new challenges – more frequent dry storms and changes in wind patterns. The plan is to continue training and equipping firefighters, strengthen preventive measures and constantly warn citizens and tourists about responsible behavior, and continue international and domestic cooperation.
The Croatian fire protection system in 2025 demonstrates a high level of organization and operational efficiency. Although the number of fires is higher than last year, thanks to rapid response, effective command and constant monitoring, the burned area has been significantly reduced and human lives have been saved.
Photo: Ivana Topic
