A fire engulfed a high-rise building — the structure has been completely destroyed; residents have been warned

Experts from the Andrija Štampar Teaching Institute of Public Health warn that there is a danger of further smoke spread due to the fire, and that particular caution is needed regarding pollution, especially for children, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses.

Due to the fire that broke out in the Vjesnik skyscraper and the possible spread of smoke to nearby areas, the Andrija Štampar Teaching Institute of Public Health has issued recommendations for protecting public health.

It is essential to follow these recommendations:

1. Stay indoors

In areas where smoke is visible or the smell of burning is noticeable, it is recommended to remain indoors and keep windows and doors closed.

2. Reduce entry of outside air

Turn off ventilation systems that draw in outside air.

If you have air-conditioning, set it to air recirculation mode.

3. Avoid being outdoors

It is advised to limit:

• physical activity outdoors,

• time spent in busy or exposed locations,

• exposure of children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic heart or respiratory diseases.

4. Use protective masks if you must go outside

If going outdoors cannot be avoided, it is recommended to wear FFP2 or FFP3 masks, which effectively filter fine particles from smoke.

5. Do not ventilate until air quality improves

Postpone airing out your home until the relevant authorities (DHMZ, Civil Protection, Andrija Štampar Institute) announce that air quality has stabilized.

6. People with chronic illnesses should be especially cautious

People with asthma, COPD, or heart conditions should keep their prescribed medications close at hand.

If eye irritation, coughing, breathing difficulties, or worsening of chronic symptoms occur, it is necessary to contact a doctor.

7. Follow official information

Regularly follow announcements from the DHMZ, Civil Protection Directorate, and the Andrija Štampar Institute, and avoid sharing unverified information.

The skyscraper is still smoking

Twenty-four hours later, the skyscraper is still emitting smoke; there are no visible flames, but firefighters remain on site.

Firefighter and shift leader Domagoj Crnić described the intervention:

“I’m glad to say that there were no injuries, except for one firefighter who suffered a minor ankle sprain. There was a risk of firefighters becoming trapped between floors, but thanks to our timely intervention, proper assessment, and withdrawal to lower floors, that did not happen,” the commander emphasized.

“The fire is under control, but of course there are still sporadic flare-ups and open flames, as we simply cannot reach some areas. We are addressing these problems by external attack using aerial firefighting vehicles,” Crnić explained.

The damage is catastrophic.

“The building is completely destroyed from the inside, and we will be able to provide detailed assessments once the fire is fully extinguished,” he added.

The area around the building has been cordoned off for public safety, and special traffic regulations are in effect.