Swimming banned in Mrežnica and Korana after Karlovac fire

(Photo: Modzzak/Public domain)

A major fire at an industrial facility in Mala Švarča, Karlovac, early on Monday morning has led to a temporary ban on swimming in parts of the Mrežnica and Korana rivers due to water used to extinguish the blaze entering the Mrežnica.

Swimming is prohibited until further notice in the Mrežnica and Korana rivers downstream from Mala Švarča, including at Fogin swimming pool, authorities said.

Citizens will be informed promptly of any further developments.

The fire was reported to the county fire operations centre at around 4.25am, prompting the immediate deployment of Karlovac firefighters. As the scale of the blaze became apparent, additional crews and equipment were brought in.

A total of 55 firefighters and 28 vehicles from across Karlovac County took part in the operation.

The fire broke out at an industrial facility and spread to part of a nearby Gavranović store. Firefighters managed to save around half of the main building, while sections of the damaged facility continued to smoulder.

Although the fire was brought under control, firefighters remained at the scene to deal with remaining hotspots and secure the site. Complete extinguishing and clean-up operations were expected to take several more hours.

The cause of the fire has not yet been established.

The swimming ban has been introduced as a precaution following the spillage of water used during firefighting operations into the Mrežnica River. Authorities are expected to provide further information once the situation and water conditions have been assessed.