Multiple fires have erupted across Dolj County, Romania, over the past few days, with 13 incidents reported by the Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (ISU) of Dolj within just 72 hours. Firefighters have been active continuously, responding to various emergencies from house fires to vehicle incidents.
On the morning of February 21, 2025, at 07:33, firefighters responded to the roof fire of a home located in the village of Căciulătești, Dobrești. ISU Dolj dispatched two fire trucks and a first aid crew to tackle the flames, which had engulfed approximately 10 square meters of the roof. The cause of the fire was identified as thermal effects due to a defective chimney, leading to the necessary and successful intervention.
Later the same day, at 08:20, another fire broke out, this time involving a stationary vehicle at the Central Market area of Craiova. The firefighting team arrived to find smoke emanated from the engine compartment rather than visible flames. Investigations concluded the probable cause was also thermal effects. Later, at 22:36, firefighters were once again called to action at Deleni—this time, flames threatened to consume the roof and contents of another home, covering 50 square meters. A short circuit was determined to be the source of this incident.
The frequency of these fires intensified on February 22, as firefighters were deployed to yet another home fire at 04:35. Responding swiftly, they confirmed the flames affected another 50 square meters of roofing material, alongside various textiles and furniture within the house. Again, the likely cause was attributed to thermal effects from another defective chimney.
By February 23, 2025, firefighters reported another surge of incidents, reflecting concerning patterns. Notably, at 12:18 the same day, dry vegetation ignited on the North Beltway of Craiova. About 100 square meters of brush were consumed before the firefighters extinguished the blaze, determined to be caused by open flames.
Later, at 16:51, crews responded to yet another fire at Pârșani, where they battled flames at another residence affecting 50 square meters. Efficient efforts ensured the fire was contained, with thermal effects cited as the cause once again.
The widespread response reflected the urgency, with ISU Dolj emphasizing their commitment to protecting the community. “We remain mobilized, 24/7, for emergency situations and to provide specialized first aid,” stated a spokesperson from the fire department, underscoring their readiness to act.
The peak incidents appear to have occurred on February 23, where the fire danger was pronounced. During this period, the department dealt with multiple house fires, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures for residents. According to ISU Dolj, important recommendations included avoiding the use of appliances under tension when unsupervised and ensuring proper disposal of ashes to prevent similar incidents.
ISU Dolj has urged the public to be vigilant and to report any signs of fire hazards immediately. They also reinforced community education about fire safety measures, reminding residents of practices required to mitigate the risk of fire outbreaks.
Fire incidents continued beyond the initial wave, impacting more homes on February 24, starting early with the fire department attending to debris and appliances wrecked by flames. At 00:03, calls were received for the fire department to respond to waste incineration at Băilești, with potential causes traced to improper ash disposal, advising the community to practice oversight of their waste management effectively.
Overall, the ISU Dolj’s reports reveal extensive fire incidents across the county, showcasing both the resourcefulness of emergency services and the dire need for increased public awareness and adherence to safety protocols to prevent future fires. With incidents ranging from short circuits to negligence sparking devastating fires, the message remains clear: the safety of Dolj County depends equally on the vigilance of its community members and quick responses from emergency responders.
With continued incidents under scrutiny, the ISU Dolj remains vigilant, ensuring continuous monitoring and effective response strategies are employed wherever necessary to protect the community from fire hazards. They advise residents to stay informed about risks and to reach out for assistance as needed, reiterations made through public alerts and their online resources.
For any emergency situation, please contact the local authorities and familiarize yourself with safety guidelines available through platforms dedicated to fire prevention and emergency preparedness.