Subotica Records Nearly 2,800 Open Fires in a Decade Amid Infrastructure Challenges

An analysis by the Center for Modern Skills (CMV) reveals that Subotica has registered a staggering 2,791 open fires between 2013 and 2023, underscoring the severity of the issue within the city.

While Subotica is recognized for its commendable support of volunteer fire departments through consistent budgetary funding, it grapples with substantial infrastructural deficiencies. A critical concern is that 60% of the city's territory lacks adequate hydrant coverage. Furthermore, the insufficient network of fire roads in the Subotica Sands area significantly impedes the timely response of firefighting units.

Miloš Đajić from CMV highlighted Subotica's vulnerability to climate change impacts. He stressed the urgent need to finalize fire protection planning documentation, noting that the city lacked a dedicated Fire Protection Plan until recently. Proposed improvements include adopting advanced technologies such as drones, sensors, and artificial intelligence for early fire detection, alongside the construction of observation towers.

The analysis also points to the human factor as the primary cause of these fires, predominantly stemming from the burning of crop residues, grass, and waste, despite legal prohibitions. Negligence and faulty agricultural machinery also contribute to the risk. The problem is particularly acute in rural areas where awareness and prevention capacities are limited. CMV recommends integrating modern early detection systems into local protection plans, enhancing collaboration with public enterprises for land maintenance, and launching continuous, multilingual public education campaigns on fire risks and prevention.

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Subotica is among the cities particularly affected by climate change, and it is necessary to complete the planning documentation in the field of fire protection as soon as possible, given that the city did not have an elaborated Fire Protection Plan until this year.