Croatia sends Canadair to France, assures domestic readiness

Croatia's decision to send one Canadair water-dropping aircraft to France to aid in firefighting efforts has been deemed not to compromise the nation's domestic readiness, according to Chief Fire Commander Slavko Tucaković.

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Of course, we are ready. The firefighting system in the Republic of Croatia is recognizable and you can see how we work.

"Of course, we are ready. The firefighting system in the Republic of Croatia is recognizable and you can see how we work," Tucaković stated in an interview with HRT central news. He explained that despite deploying one aircraft to France as part of Croatia's European Union obligations, five other Canaders, six Air Tractors, and all ground forces remain prepared within Croatia.

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It is very important to have a system that can react quickly to such fires.

Tucaković highlighted the system's ability to respond quickly to fires, citing recent successful interventions on Korčula, Hvar, and in Komiža. He stressed that while rapid response is crucial, prevention also plays a key role. He also pointed to the human factor and the actions of local self-government as vital components.

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We have an increase of seven percent compared to last year, and in the coastal areas, it is 16 percent more. So far, 3,200 fires have been recorded in the coastal areas, and air forces have been engaged 65 times. All were extinguished very quickly, within two days.

Regarding the current fire season, Tucaković reported a 7% increase in fires nationwide compared to the previous year, with a significant 16% rise in coastal regions. A total of 3,200 fires have been recorded along the coast so far, requiring air support 65 times. He reassured that these fires were extinguished quickly, typically within two days. Tucaković urged the public to be mindful of fire safety, stating, "Let's not light open flames and discard cigarette butts."

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The human factor is very important, as is action at all levels of local self-government. It is very important that we all act preventatively. Let's not light open flames and discard cigarette butts.