Dozens injured and thousands evacuated after a severe wildfire tore through cities on Croatia’s coastline, officials reported. The blaze began near the village of Lokva Rogoznica on Thursday evening and spread quickly toward the tourist town of Omis, about 6 kilometres away.
Approximately 1,200 residents and tourists were evacuated; ten firefighters were in intensive care. Croatian fire chief Slavko Tucakovic said the blaze was one of the worst in the country’s history.
Villages near Split were hit as the fire coursed through pine‑forest‑lined hillsides, damaging homes and cars. The firestorm burned through everything in its path, engulfing 1,000 hectares within four hours, the chief noted.
More than 300 firefighters worked overnight, sometimes retreating as the fire advanced. Footage showed thick smoke and large flames turning the sky red, while stranded residents and tourists watched from shore.
Some people jumped into the sea from boats to escape the blaze. Emergency shelters were opened along the coast to house evacuees.
On Friday a body was discovered in a burnt area as services searched the zone. Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic visited the area and praised firefighters, calling what was saved a "truly a miracle". The commander of the Omis Volunteer Fire Department said motorists abandoned vehicles directly in the fire zone, hampering rescue efforts.
Across Europe, double‑digit temperatures and gale‑force winds have sparked a string of devastating wildfires that strain firefighting resources. Greece, Germany and England have all faced evacuations and intense fire battles this summer.
