A major forest fire near Omis in Croatia has led to the evacuation of around 1,200 residents and tourists. According to Reuters, one person has died and a further 36 have been injured; 14 of them have been hospitalised, and seven are in a critical condition. The fire spread rapidly due to strong winds.
Briefly about the main points
- Around 1,200 residents and tourists were evacuated from the Omish area.
- One person was killed and a further 36 were injured.
- Fourteen of the injured have been admitted to hospital; seven are in a critical condition.
- The fire spread to residential areas and destroyed houses and cars.
- Nearly 300 firefighters and firefighting aircraft were deployed at the scene.
The wind carried the fire to people’s homes
Due to strong winds, the flames spread rapidly and reached residential areas. As the fire spread rapidly, residents and tourists were evacuated from the coast.
The coastal areas of Split-Dalmatia County, where Omiš is located, are classified by the European Commission and Copernicus as high-risk areas for forest fires. The main fire season in Croatia began on 15 June.
Aircraft were deployed to help extinguish the fire
Houses and cars were burnt down in residential areas. Nearly 300 firefighters and aircraft were deployed to tackle the blaze.
The Croatian authorities are advising people near forest fires to follow the instructions of the emergency services, to keep an eye out for any traffic restrictions and not to attempt to put out the fire themselves. The country’s single emergency number, 112, operates 24 hours a day and is free of charge.
