🔥 Forest fires are raging like never before! Did you know that a whopping 90% of fires in Croatia are caused by humans — either intentionally or through carelessness? Yes, you read that right! Natural causes like lightning or spontaneous combustion make up only a small part of the problem. People throw cigarette butts out of car windows, don’t fully extinguish their barbecues, leave bottles in the sun that act like magnifying glasses and start fires! All this combined with dry summer months creates a perfect storm for disaster.
📊 The stats are terrifying: last year, there were 106 forest fires that burned 14 hectares of forest. For comparison, in 2021 there were 48 fires on 11 hectares, and in 2020, a whopping 124 fires on 24 hectares! The numbers fluctuate, but the trend is clear — human factor is the main culprit.
🌡️ And to make matters worse, climate change is bringing more frequent and intense heat waves. Last June was the third hottest on record, with temperatures above average, further drying out vegetation and increasing fire risk. Croatia has already experienced three long heat waves on the mainland and four on the coast this year.
🚒 But it’s not just about putting out fires! Prevention is key. The campaign “Ma neće biti ništa” (“It won’t be anything”) run by Croatian Forests aims to bust myths and raise awareness about personal responsibility. How many times have you heard “It won’t be anything” right before a fire broke out? That very carelessness and irresponsibility is the biggest problem.
📱 Technology is on the fight against fires — Croatian Forests invest in radio communication, video surveillance with smoke detection, and advanced fire spread simulations. Currently, 60 cameras are installed in critical locations, and extra workers are hired during summer for quick reporting. But no technology can replace responsible citizen behavior.
⏰ Quick reaction is crucial! If you see smoke, call the firefighters immediately. Don’t let your carelessness or irresponsibility cause a disaster that can destroy nature, property, and lives.
🌲 Fires aren’t a problem that happens to someone else. We are all part of this problem and can be part of the solution. Next time you think “It won’t be anything,” remember these numbers and consequences. Nature doesn’t forgive, and neither should we.
💬 So, what do you think? Is it time to stop the “It won’t be anything” attitude or will we keep playing Russian roulette with our forests? Drop a comment, share your story, or just crack a joke about how “just one spark can set the whole world on fire.” Just don’t burn your keyboard out of rage!
