Kranjska Gora wildfire tackled by air tractors and helicopter in Slovenia

A wildfire broke out on the steep terrain above Srednji Vrh in the Kranjska Gora municipality, likely ignited by a lightning strike. The fire covered roughly four hectares and prompted an immediate response from local firefighters.

Aerial assets were deployed, including three air‑tractor aircraft and a Slovenian Armed Forces helicopter that drew water from Lake Jasna. The operation is part of Slovenia's aerial firefighting unit, established in 2023, which operates four air‑tractor planes and relies on a small pool of pilots under the direction of Mitja Vidmar. The unit aims to shorten response times and reduce risks to ground crews.

The aerial unit, overseen by the Administration for Protection and Rescue and its director Leon Behin, has already intervened in multiple fires this season, providing rapid water drops and preventive patrols to contain outbreaks before they spread.