Multiple Fires Erupt Across Slovenia; Aerial Support Deployed

Slovenia battled multiple fires across the country on Saturday, with significant incidents reported near Koper and Komen. A blaze in Brnetići, above Koper, has been successfully extinguished, while a more substantial fire in Brestovica near Komen has been contained but remains active.

The Brestovica fire impacted roughly 20 hectares across the municipalities of Komen and Miren-Kostanjevica. Blaž Rogelja, the incident commander, confirmed that while the fire is largely contained, firefighting operations continue. The challenging terrain, covered in low-lying vegetation, made the response difficult, necessitating the deployment of aerial support.

Over 130 firefighters, supported by 60 vehicles from various regional and national units, were engaged in the Brestovica response. The state's aerial firefighting unit deployed four aircraft, dropping 38 loads of water between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Rogelja noted the crucial role of the aircraft in reaching inaccessible areas.

Meanwhile, a smaller fire in Brnetići covered about 0.35 hectares and was tackled by 25 firefighters with 10 vehicles. This incident was quickly brought under control, and no fire watch was established. The day also saw several other smaller fires, including one in the Nova Gorica area, another in the forest near Janževski Vrh, and minor grass fires near Murska Sobota and Črnomelj. A computer fire in a residential attic in Drganj dol was also extinguished without injuries.

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They started extinguishing at 5 p.m., and together they dropped 38 loads. They were very helpful because the terrain is difficult to access and covered with low vegetation.