# Karlovac industrial warehouse fire

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/karlovac-industrial-warehouse-fire
> Updated: 2026-08-31T05:56:18.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 2.

A major industrial fire occurred in the Mala Švarča business zone of Karlovac, Croatia. The blaze originated in a Nova Chem warehouse specializing in paints and varnishes, subsequently spreading to a Gavranović warehouse. The Gavranović facility was completely destroyed, though approximately 50% of the overall complex was saved.

Approximately 60 firefighters and 28 vehicles responded to the scene. While no injuries were reported, the fire caused significant material damage and local disruption, including the closure of the road from Mala Švarča to the GE roundabout and a temporary redirection of the water supply affecting residents in Logorište, Belajska Poljica, and Mala Švarča.

Authorities issued precautionary warnings for residents in Mala Švarča, Mostanje, and Logorište to close windows and doors and disable ventilation systems due to thick smoke and chemical odors. Air quality tests conducted by the Institute of Public Health indicated that levels of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and methane remained within safe limits.

Environmental impacts include the flow of soot and debris-laden firefighting water into the Mrežnica and Korana rivers. Contamination entered the Mrežnica through an illegal drain, leading to a ban on swimming downstream. Emergency measures, such as the installation of booms and the use of humus for temporary dams, were implemented to contain the pollution.

## Claims

- The fire spread to a Gavranović company warehouse, burning mixed goods. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- The fire affected a building containing the warehouse and production facilities of Nova Chem, a company specializing in paints and varnishes. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- The City of Karlovac issued a warning for residents to close windows and stay indoors due to heavy smoke. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Initial reports indicate no injuries have occurred in the fire. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The fire spread to half of the building before being contained. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Water supply has been temporarily redirected, leaving residents in Logorište, Belajska Poljica, and Mala Švarča without water. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The road from Mala Švarča to the GE roundabout has been closed. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Approximately 60 firefighters and 10 to 15 vehicles are involved in extinguishing the fire. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Karlovac fire and new water infrastructure in Pitomača

A major fire in Karlovac has prompted emergency warnings for residents, while Križnica in Pitomača has completed a major infrastructure project to connect the settlement to a public water supply.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karlovac-fire-and-new-water-infrastructure-in-pitomaa

### 2026-08-31: Karlovac industrial fire destroys warehouses and contaminates Mrežnica river

A large industrial fire in Karlovac, Croatia, destroyed warehouses belonging to Nova Chem and Gavranović. The incident caused air quality warnings and river pollution in the Mrežnica.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karlovac-fire-hits-nova-chem-paint-factory-and-warehouses

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Cite as: Karlovac industrial warehouse fire. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/karlovac-industrial-warehouse-fire