Fire in Lagadin hotel boiler room exposes risks from uncontrolled urban growth

A fire that broke out two days ago in the boiler room of a well-known hotel in the Lagadin neighborhood of Ohrid once again exposed safety risks that locals have been warning about. There were no reported injuries, and the quick action of the hotel housemaster prevented a wider disaster.

Access problems slowed the main fire engine

According to eyewitnesses who contacted journalists, the large fire engine became stuck right at the entrance to the neighborhood because the terrain is difficult to access: steep, narrow streets, buildings and vehicles parked at every turn. Firefighters were forced to continue the intervention in a jeep.

The incident happened only two days after a protest by local residents and eco-activists who demanded an immediate halt to uncontrolled urbanization and the unplanned construction of accommodation facilities, arguing that such development endangers the safety of people living in the settlement.

Residents and activists say the problems are not limited to land. They have long complained about “chaos on the water” — illegally moored boats, the usurpation of beaches and “dangerous incidents with speedboats operating in the immediate vicinity of the kapachite.”

The fire service has repeatedly confirmed the difficulties crews face in the field, especially during summer, pointing out that narrow streets and improperly parked vehicles are an everyday risk to human life. They call on citizens to be responsible when parking and not to block access roads and streets, noting that in emergencies every second is important and that unobstructed access for firefighters can be crucial for saving lives and property.

Photo: press material from the event