A severe wildfire that tore through Croatia's coastline has killed at least one person, with seven others in a life-threatening condition, and forced around 1,200 residents and tourists to flee.
Fire near Omis spreads rapidly
The fire broke out on Thursday evening near the village of Lokva Rogoznica and spread quickly towards the nearby tourist town of Omis. Croatia's fire chief Slavko Tucakovic described it as "one of the worst" fires in the country's history.
Flames, fanned by strong winds, engulfed 1,000 hectares in just four hours, according to officials. More than 300 firefighters were deployed overnight, with crews sometimes forced to retreat as the fire advanced.
Evacuations and casualties
Around 1,200 residents and tourists were evacuated. The prime minister said 42 patients were examined, of whom 14 were hospitalised, ten remain in intensive care units, and seven are in a life-threatening condition and on respirators.
Regional maritime authorities reported that 194 people, including children, were plucked from the sea and from various boats as they tried to flee the fire.
Extensive damage and aftermath
Villages near the Adriatic city of Split were struck by the blaze, which coursed through pine forest-lined hillside, causing extensive damage to homes and cars. Firefighters put out the blaze by Friday morning, but the country now faces the devastating aftermath.
Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic Robert Fico said he spoke by phone with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and expressed solidarity, offering assistance within limits. He noted that 30 Slovak tourists have contacted the Embassy in Zagreb, with no reports of injuries, though property damage cannot be ruled out.
Croatia's Minister of Environmental Protection and Green Transition expressed condolences for the lost life and thanked firefighters, civil protection members, and volunteers for their courage and solidarity.
