Major firefighting exercise underway

One of the largest interagency firefighting exercises of the year, “Safety 26,” is being held in Croatia today and tomorrow.

The first part of the exercise took place in Istria, near the Učka Tunnel, where around one hundred participants from across the country were involved, including firefighters, emergency medical teams, police, the Croatian Air Force, the Red Cross, and Croatian Forests, as well as operational command structures at both local and national level.

The scenario simulated a serious multi-vehicle traffic accident inside the Učka Tunnel, alongside a simultaneous open-air wildfire.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and several government ministers attended the demonstration.

The exercise will continue tomorrow in Karlovac, where responders will test their readiness for a rail-road accident involving hazardous materials.

Istria County Fire Chief Dino Kozlevac said firefighters are fully prepared for such scenarios.

“This is the largest exercise of its kind so far. Given the topic, firefighters are fully prepared. Today we are demonstrating the readiness of both Istria and Croatia as a whole, as this is a national-level drill. We can say with confidence that Croatia is a safe country and that we have answers to such challenges. Tourists who visit Croatia in large numbers are, in fact, better protected here than in their own countries,” Kozlevac said.

Chief Fire Commander Slavko Tucaković also stressed the importance of coordination among services.

“The exercise has shown that both citizens and tourists in the Republic of Croatia can feel secure. Together with the police, the armed forces, and all emergency services, we will do everything to ensure the season passes with as few fires as possible and to maintain overall safety in the country,” he said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Croatian Veterans Tomo Medved said the exercise confirmed national readiness ahead of the fire season.

“Through all elements of the Croatian Fire Service, including land and air forces, and in full cooperation with all other components involved in fire protection, we are confirming our readiness for the upcoming fire season. As of June 15, the command will be relocated to Divulje, and we will be ready to respond to all challenges,” Medved said.

Prime Minister Plenković highlighted the importance of recent investments in the system.

“The investments made in firefighting and the entire homeland security system over the past few years are evident in your capabilities, high-quality equipment, and advanced operational techniques. All emergency services are fully coordinated and prepared to respond effectively whenever needed,” he said.