Omiš Wildfire Crisis
Strong Winds Fuel Omiš Wildfire, Forcing Mass Evacuations and Injuring Nineteen in Croatia
Key Points
The fire began around 8:20 pm near Lokva Rogoznica and, by early Friday, had reached the Borak area above the town centre of Omiš.
Parts of Omiš were left without electricity overnight as the blaze spread, illustrating the broader disruption beyond evacuations and closures.
Fighting aircraft were expected to join the operation after daybreak to bolster firefighting efforts.
An evacuation centre was opened at Ribnjak sports hall and, if needed, additional accommodation was prepared in Makarska to house evacuees.
Injury reports varied by outlet: CroatiaWeek cited at least 10 injured (with two seriously), while Reuters reported about 19 people treated.
A fast-moving wildfire tore through the Croatian coastal town of Omiš late Thursday, forcing the evacuation of around 1,000 residents and tourists and injuring at least 19 people, according to Reuters. Two of the injured were seriously hurt and transferred to a hospital in Split for treatment.
The blaze started around 8:20 pm near Lokva Rogoznica and spread rapidly toward the town center, pushed by strong winds and dry conditions. Authorities closed the coastal highway and opened an emergency shelter at the Ribnjak sports hall. A navy boat was kept on standby in case sea evacuations became necessary.
Fire Reaches Town Centre as Flames Spread Overnight
By early Friday, the fire had reached the Borak area, just above Omiš's town center. Firefighters battled the blaze through the night — about 157 personnel with 44 fire vehicles were deployed, according to Reuters. Mainland firefighting units were also sent in to reinforce local crews already stretched thin.
Parts of Omiš lost electricity overnight as the fire spread. Fighting aircraft were not available in the dark but were expected to join the operation after daybreak. If the Ribnjak shelter filled up, authorities had additional accommodation ready in the nearby town of Makarska.
Homes and Vehicles Threatened as Evacuees Seek Shelter
The fire threatened homes and parked vehicles as it pushed toward populated areas, according to Reuters. Around 1,000 people were evacuated — a mix of local residents and summer tourists visiting the popular coastal town. Omiš is a well-known destination along the Dalmatian coast.
The town's sports hall became an emergency hub for displaced people. Authorities described the overall situation as highly challenging. The combination of heat, drought-like conditions, and strong winds made the fire extremely difficult to contain.
Injury Toll Unclear as Reports Differ Between Outlets
The number of injured varied across reports. Reuters cited at least 19 people treated for injuries. CroatiaWeek reported at least 10 injured. Both outlets confirmed two people were seriously hurt and taken to Split's hospital for care. The discrepancy likely reflects different points in time during a fast-moving emergency.
Climate Change Driving More Intense Fires Across Europe
Scientists link the hot, dry conditions fueling fires like this one to climate change. Europe has seen more extreme wildfire seasons in recent years. Croatia, with its dry summers and coastal winds, is especially vulnerable, according to Reuters.
The Omiš fire is the latest example of how popular tourist towns face growing risk from weather-driven blazes during peak summer season. Authorities have not yet given an estimate of the area burned or a timeline for when the fire might be fully controlled.
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