Key facts
- At least one person died and around 40 others were injured in a wildfire in Croatia.
- Approximately 1,200 residents and tourists were evacuated from coastal areas.
- The fire broke out near Lokva Rogoznica and spread to the tourist town of Omis.
- Strong winds fueled the blaze, causing it to engulf 1,000 hectares in four hours.
- Over 300 firefighters were deployed to combat the wildfire.
- The wildfire has been described as one of the worst in Croatia's history.
A severe wildfire has swept through Croatia's coastline, resulting in at least one death and approximately 40 injuries. The blaze, which began near Lokva Rogoznica on Thursday evening, rapidly spread towards the tourist town of Omis, necessitating the evacuation of around 1,200 residents and tourists. Croatia's fire chief, Slavko Tucakovic, described the event as one of the country's worst wildfires.
Fueled by strong winds, the firestorm consumed pine forests and hillside areas, causing significant damage to homes and vehicles. Over 300 firefighters worked through the night, with some forced to retreat as the flames advanced. Footage shared online depicted thick smoke and large flames engulfing the landscape.
Officials confirmed the discovery of a body in a burnt-out area on Friday as emergency services continued their search. Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic visited the affected region, commending the efforts of emergency crews and noting the fire's "lightning speed" spread due to "gale-force winds."
The incident occurs amidst a backdrop of intense wildfires across Europe, exacerbated by extreme heatwaves. Similar events have led to evacuations in Greece, France, and Germany, with an emergency wildfire alert issued for England and Wales.