Restaurant and Home Destroyed in Devastating Baranja Fire

A major fire broke out in the Baranja region of Croatia on May 13, 2025, at approximately 12:30 PM, destroying a well-known restaurant called Citadela and the owner's home. The fire, which is believed to have started in the restaurant's kitchen, quickly spread due to high temperatures and the presence of flammable materials. "The fire started in the kitchen where we cook fish paprikaš," said the distraught owner, Željko Cicak, in an interview. Firefighters from Osijek and surrounding areas battled the blaze for hours, facing extremely high temperatures and thick smoke. "The temperature was so high that it spread uncontrollably," explained Zoran Pakšec, the fire chief. The owners watched in tears as their life's work went up in flames. The damage is estimated to be in the millions, and the incident has left nearly 40 people without jobs. The fire was eventually contained, but the restaurant and house were completely destroyed. The incident highlights the devastating impact of fires and the importance of fire safety precautions.