Fire Breaks Out at Karlovac Company as Authorities Warn Residents to Close Windows

A fire at a company facility in Karlovac, Croatia, spread to a nearby warehouse containing paints and varnishes, prompting local authorities to warn residents about smoke.

The blaze broke out overnight at the Nova Chem facility in the Mala Švarča area and extended to the Gavranović warehouse. No injuries were reported, and firefighters brought the fire under control.

Karlovac Fire Brigade commander Miroslav Rade said the fire was already fully developed when crews received the call. “On arrival, the entire technical production section and the roof were already engulfed,” he said. The flames spread to the southern part of the building and across the northern section, where Gavranović and its warehouse are located. Crews were in the final stage of extinguishing the fire, Rade said, while the remaining part of the facility had been contained.

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On arrival, the entire technical production section and the roof were already engulfed. The fire spread to the southern part of the building and across the northern section, where Gavranović and its warehouse are located. We are currently in the final stage of extinguishing the fire. We managed to contain the remaining part of the building.

Deputy Karlovac Mayor Ivana Fočić said the presence of paints and varnishes in the warehouse remained a concern because of the smoke. “We have requested that air quality be tested,” she said.

Authorities asked residents to keep windows closed, switch off ventilation equipment and avoid the fire site so emergency services could work without obstruction. Fifty-six firefighters took part in the response.

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It was concerning that the warehouse contained paints and varnishes. This remains concerning because of the smoke. We have requested that air quality be tested.