Wildfire descends on Croatian tourist town, injures at least
A wildfire in Croatia driven by strong winds descended on the tourist town of Omis on Friday, forcing hundreds to evacuate and threatening homes and vehicles, local media reported. Flames enveloped settlements and trees and turned the night sky red above Omis, a scenic town on Croatia’s prized Dalmatian coast surrounded by trees and rocky hills. Around 19 people have been treated by ambulance…
A devastating wildfire engulfed the Croatian tourist town of Omis on Friday, prompting hundreds of residents to evacuate and endangering homes and vehicles, according to local reports. The flames engulfed settlements and trees, casting a red glow across the night sky above the picturesque Dalmatian coast town. At least 19 people sustained injuries, with two in serious condition and transported to a hospital in Split, approximately 25 kilometers north of Omis, as reported by N1.
Chief Fire Commander Slavko Tucakovic described the situation as "extremely difficult" and noted that the "complicated situation" extended from Lokva Rogoznica to Omis. Rescue efforts involved 157 firefighters and 44 fire vehicles, supported by reinforcements from various Croatian counties. A section of a major coastal highway was closed due to the blaze.
The town set up its sports hall as an emergency shelter, accommodating around 1,000 people overnight. A naval vessel was positioned to provide sea evacuations. Scientists attribute the surge in wildfires across Europe this summer to unusually hot weather and drought, conditions linked to climate change. The Balkans, including Croatia, has experienced multiple heatwaves.
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