Some evenings begin with quiet strolls, shadows lengthening across ponds and promenades. But in Maribor on Friday night, a sudden glow and a plume of smoke turned a familiar corner of the city’s park into a scene that drew attention from near and far.

Around 7 p.m., a fire broke out in a disused structure near the historic site of the former Gostilna Pri treh ribnikih in the city park, according to initial reports. Smoke was visible from a distance, catching the eye of passersby and prompting immediate calls for help.

Firefighters from the Maribor Fire Brigade and several volunteer teams — including PGD Maribor, PGD Studenci and PGD Kamnica — responded to the scene. Officials confirmed that the blaze occurred not in the old restaurant building itself, but in an adjacent abandoned structure, where flames and smoke spread through interior areas.

Upon arrival, responders worked swiftly to extinguish the fire and ensure the safety of the surrounding park and public areas. Fire crews also ventilated the interior and conducted thorough checks of the affected space to make sure no one was inside when the fire broke out. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and no one was found in the structure during the inspection.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and authorities have not yet confirmed what might have sparked the blaze. Police and fire investigators may follow up on the scene to gather more information once the immediate response is complete.

For many residents of Maribor, the location carries memory and nostalgia. The old Pri treh ribnikih site — once one of the city’s oldest taverns set near the serene network of ponds in the park — has stood closed for some time, even as the municipality considers its future.

Although the fire has been brought under control, the image of smoke rising near the ribniki speaks to the broader rhythms of urban life — where history, public space, and unexpected events intersect. As the city moves into the weekend, neighbors and park visitors alike may reflect on the delicate balance between preserving heritage and tending to the unexpected sparks that remind us of just how quickly familiar places can draw fresh attention.

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Sources Lokalec.si / Novice Najdi Večer