Wildfires hit Croatia and Serbia, causing casualties and mass evacuations
Firefighters contain blazes near Croatia's Omiš as residents return to damaged homes, while Serbia battles dozens of active wildfires amidst hot weather.
Emergency crews in Croatia have brought open flames under control near Omiš and Lokva Rogoznica following severe blazes that caused widespread destruction to homes, vehicles, and vessels. One casualty has been reported, while 36 individuals received treatment at Split's regional hospital, with seven remaining in critical condition. Around 2,500 people were evacuated, including over 500 individuals who fled into the Adriatic Sea before being rescued by maritime authorities and private vessels. As electrical grids are restored, residents are returning to inspect damaged properties.
Concurrently, emergency responders in neighboring Serbia are battling 32 active fires across the nation. Worsening weather conditions, marked by strong winds and an incoming heatwave, are complicating containment efforts. One fatality and multiple injuries have been confirmed in Serbia as firefighters work to protect affected regions.
Sources: Avaz, Danas, HRT Vijesti, N1, Vijesti.
How outlets assessed this
- Danas Alarmed Reported that a body was recovered following the fire, highlighting widespread destruction and critical injuries.
- Beta Cautious Reported that official records confirm no fatalities, focusing on hospitalizations and temporary tourist accommodations.
Sources
- Vijesti — Dalmaciju pogodio "jedan od najtežih požara u istoriji Hrvatske",...
- N1 — Ogroman požar kod Omiša - izgorele kuće, automobili i čamci: Sedam osoba životno ugroženo, veliki broj povređenih
- Danas — Vatra ostavila pustoš u hrvatskom Omišu, u Srbiji aktivna 32 požara
- Avaz — Više od 500 ljudi u Hrvatskoj spas tražilo u moru. "U očima im se vidjela borba za goli život"
- HRT Vijesti — Požari diljem Srbije, jedna osoba poginula, vjetar otežava gašenje
Earlier coverage
- Sep 14, 2026, 03:30 AM UTCFirefighters control Dalmatian blazes as Serbia battles multiple active fires
- Sep 6, 2026, 09:30 PM UTCFirefighters contain Croatian blazes as dozens of wildfires burn across Serbia
- Sep 4, 2026, 03:00 AM UTCWildfires cause casualties and mass evacuations across Croatia and Serbia
- Sep 2, 2026, 03:00 AM UTCBalkan emergency crews subdue major wildfires in Croatia and tackle blazes in Serbia
- Aug 31, 2026, 09:00 AM UTCEmergency crews battle destructive blazes across Croatia and Serbia
- Aug 30, 2026, 09:00 PM UTCFirefighters control Dalmatian wildfires as blazes persist across Serbia
- Aug 29, 2026, 09:00 PM UTCWildfire response continues in Croatia and Serbia amid casualties and damage
- Aug 24, 2026, 01:00 AM UTCEmergency crews battle destructive wildfires across Croatia and Serbia
- Aug 22, 2026, 02:30 PM UTCBalkan wildfires leave casualties and devastation across Croatia and Serbia
- Aug 22, 2026, 02:30 AM UTCDalmatia wildfire brought under control as dozens receive medical care