Wildfire in southern Croatia leaves one dead and forces mass evacuations
A rapidly spreading wildfire near Omiš in southern Croatia has left one person dead and forced up to 2,000 tourists and residents to evacuate.
A fast-moving wildfire along Croatia's southern coast has prompted mass evacuations around the town of Omiš, southeast of Split. Originating in Lokva Rogoznica, the blaze spread rapidly through pine forests toward residential zones, driven by strong winds, and forced the closure of sections of the primary coastal highway.
Local authorities reported one fatality, seven critical injuries, and dozens of other injuries, according to DR. Evacuation figures varied among reports, ranging between 1,000 and 2,000 residents and vacationers, with many sheltering in local sports facilities and emergency accommodation. A naval vessel was placed on standby to assist with maritime rescues if needed.
Although open flames have largely subsided, firefighting crews remain on site to monitor smoldering hotspots.
Sources: Dagens Nyheter, DR, ORF, SVT.