- At least 2,000 people have been forced to evacuate from the path of a massive blaze in Croatia as wildfires continue to burn across Europe amid record-breaking heat.
- A total of 157 firefighters and 44 fire engines were deployed to Lokva Rogoznica after the blaze broke out on Thursday evening.
- By Friday morning, the blaze had spread toward the city of Omiš and the Borak neighbourhood, forcing at least 2,000 residents and tourists to evacuate.
- Firefighters managed to put out the blaze by Friday morning, but another wildfire broke out on the Peljesac peninsula.
- Across Europe, wildfires in Germany, France, the UK, and Greece have also forced evacuations and caused damage.
- Fourteen people were hospitalized in the nearby city of Split, including seven in life-threatening condition.
- The blazes follow this year that have scorched approximately 500,000 hectares (1.24 million acres) of land across the European Union.
- Strong winds drove a wildfire into parts of the tourist town of Omiš, enveloping settlements and forest areas while damaging buildings and cars.
- Witnesses reported that people were jumping into the sea after boats caught fire.
- Evacuees, most of whom are foreign tourists, sought refuge at the Gripe Sports Centre, according to local media.
- Croatia's fire chief, Slavko Tucakovic, described the blaze as 'one of the worst in Croatia's history.'
Wildfires across Europe have led to widespread evacuations, with 2,000 people forced to flee from a massive blaze in Croatia's Omiš. The fire, described as one of the worst in the country's history, has resulted in 14 hospitalizations, including seven individuals in life-threatening condition.36
The blaze, fueled by strong winds and record-breaking heat, spread rapidly, engulfing homes and vehicles. Chief Fire Chief Slavko Tucaković remarked, “This fire spread at lightning speed,” highlighting the unprecedented nature of the disaster. Video footage captured the terrifying scene, with monstrous flames consuming the area and residents jumping into the sea to escape the inferno.89
In total, 36 people sought medical care in Omiš, with local authorities confirming that 14 were hospitalized. The fire has also devastated other parts of Europe, with thousands evacuated in Germany, France, and Greece due to similar wildfires. The European Union has reported that this year's wildfires have scorched approximately 500,000 hectares (1.24 million acres) of land.57
As firefighters continue to battle the flames, the situation remains dire, with many communities facing destruction. “What the firefighters managed to save is truly a miracle,” Tucaković stated, as efforts to contain the fire are ongoing.
“The Croatian fire chief called it 'one of the worst in Croatia's history,' with 157 firefighters and 44 engines deployed to Lokva Rogoznica. Separately, wildfires in Germany, France, UK, and Greece forced additional evacuations, including 1,800 in Germany and 525 in France.”
