FIRE AT SELA NA KRASU

Abstract

On Wednesday, 30th July 2003, a fire broke out in the villages of Klariči and Sela na Krasu. The fire actually started in Italy and spread over the border. Due to the extreme drought and wind, the fire spread rapidly, despite all the efforts of around 500 firefighters and Slovenian army helicopter squads. In few hours, the fire threatened several villages from Sela na Krasu, to Vojščica, Nova vas, Korita and Hudi Log. With great assistance from firefighters from Obalno-Kraška, SevernoPrimorska, Južno-Primorska and Notranjska regions and also from Slovenian army helicopter squads, all the endangered villages and their populations were successfully protected, and the fire was finally put out in the afternoon of 31st July. Two firefighting planes from Italy also assisted in firefighting. Firefighting took place in extremely difficult conditions, mostly because of the enormous heat and the danger of unexploded ordinance from the First World War, which is common in this area. Two Slovenian army helicopters, both Bell Type 412, helped in the action, using water from helicopter water bags. Theater was scooped from self-standing pools, which were constructed close to the danger area. Another Slovenian army helicopter, used for observing the endangered area, and two Italian Canadair planes joined the firefighting action on the second day. The planes were very effective, since they scooped sea water near the Italian city of Sistian (Sesljan), only 5 kilometres away from the fire.