Slovenia, Italy: Emergency crews responding to wildfires in the Kras region, Slovenia, and Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, Italy, as of July 21

Event

Emergency crews are responding to multiple wildfires burning in the Kras region in Slovenia and Friuli Venezia Giulia Region in Italy as of July 21. The Carso Fire in Italy started July 19 and is located between Gorizia Town and Trieste City. More than 60 personnel are on-site battling the blaze. A fatality occurred in Prepotto Commune, Udine Province early July 21 due to a falling tree. Authorities temporarily closed portions of the A4 motorway between Sistiana and Redipuglia; the road reopened the afternoon of July 21. The Trieste Airport (TRS) is operating normally as of July 21. Train services between Monfalcone and Bivio d'Aurisina remain suspended as of early July 22. Authorities have advised residents in the vicinity of the fire to avoid using elevators in case of power outages. Operations at the Fincantieri shipbuilding plant in Monfalcone Commune, Gorizia Province, have been suspended due to smoke in the area.

Multiple fires are burning near Nova Vas and Vojscica villages and between Cerje and Trstelje. The largest fire between Cerje and Trstelje has burned more than 2,000 hectares (4,900 acres) and is the largest fire in the history of independent Slovenia. More than 1,000 personnel are on-site battling the blaze. Authorities temporarily evacuated residents in Novela, Temnica, and Vojscica villages July 20 but allowed residents to return home the evening of July 21. The fires have set off unexploded ordnance left over from the First World War. Authorities removed 18 pieces of unexploded ordnance from the villages of Sela na Krasu and Korita July 20 and two other pieces July 21. Reports indicate injuries to five firefighters. Authorities have advised residents in Koper, Nova Gorica, and Postojna municipalities to avoid excessive physical activity and to stay in closed air-conditioned rooms for residents with health problems due to the low air quality as a result of the fire.

The Italian Meteorological Service has issued orange (middle level on a three-tier scale) high-temperature warnings across the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region; temperatures of more than 38 C (100 F) are forecast through at least July 23. The Slovenia Meteorological Office has issued red (highest level on a three-tier scale) high-temperature and high fire risk warnings across the Primorska Region through at least July 25. The high temperatures are likely to hamper firefighting efforts over the coming days. Additional wildfire growth is likely.

Authorities will likely keep affected areas cordoned off to vehicular and pedestrian traffic as crews work to extinguish the blaze; the status of nearby roads will probably change over the coming hours. The fire and the emergency response may cause localized business disruptions. Authorities could evacuate additional communities due to fire activity and the needs of response operations. Low visibility from smoke and ashfall could also contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region and may disrupt operations at nearby airfields.

Advice

Avoid affected areas. Heed all evacuation orders. Seek updated information on road conditions if driving near affected areas; road closures and detours will probably cause traffic congestion and delays. Individuals not under evacuation warnings should consider remaining inside well-ventilated, air-conditioned spaces to reduce exposure to smoke. Charge battery-powered devices in case of prolonged power outages.