The fire broke out at 12:45 in Vela Lamja on the island of Ugljan, within the industrial zone of Kali Tuna. The flames were in an outdoor area where pallets and fishing nets are stored, not in the interior of the building. No injuries were reported, nor were there any human casualties.
The fire was brought under control, according to Matej Rudić, the chief fire officer of Zadar County. All fire brigades remain on the scene. At the time of the statement, there was no danger to surrounding buildings, and homes were not at risk. The area where the fire broke out has been cordoned off from the settlement.
The local authorities have requested the deployment of construction machinery. The piles of pallets and fishing nets, beneath which the fire started, are quite high and need to be cleared so that firefighters can intervene in the centre of the blaze. The machinery is needed to assist in fully extinguishing the fire.
Firefighters from the volunteer fire departments of Preko, Kali, and Tkon responded immediately. Three additional fire engines arrived via the ferry link from Zadar. Thick black smoke rising from Vela Lamja was noticed by many residents of Zadar and the island, as well as by mariners. The cause of the fire is not yet known.
The owner of Kali Tuna d.o.o. is the Maltese company AJD Tuna Ltd. The Maltese company took over ownership of the largest Croatian tuna company from its previous owner, Japanese entrepreneur Jiro Kambe, and his company, Tokai Logistics Co. / J-Trading Inc. Jiro Kambe retained his position as director of the company following the acquisition.
