A massive wildfire near Omiš has resulted in one fatality, over 40 injuries, and the destruction of homes, vehicles, and businesses.

A devastating wildfire in the Omiš area has caused widespread destruction, claiming one life and leaving more than 40 people in need of medical attention. The blaze, which has scorched an estimated 1,000 hectares, forced many residents to flee their homes, with some escaping into the sea to survive. The fire destroyed numerous houses, vehicles, and hospitality facilities, leaving residents to confront the loss of property they had built over decades.

Impact on Residents and Property

Local resident Marin Ozretić, who lived in Mala Luka, lost the home he had been building since the 1990s. Despite his efforts to defend the property with water, he was eventually forced to abandon the site to save his life and his vehicle as flames reached heights of over two to three meters. Another resident, Anđelko Kovačić, lost his home in the old village, along with a workshop and several boats he was repairing. Tourists from the Czech Republic also lost their vehicle in the fire, leaving them stranded. Kovačić expressed doubt regarding state assistance, noting that potential compensation of 500 euros would be insufficient to replace what he had spent a lifetime creating.

Ongoing Investigation and Response

Firefighters remain on the scene working to extinguish the blaze on the hill. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, which is described as one of the largest to hit the region in recent years. The exact origin of the fire, which caused significant destruction in a matter of minutes, remains unknown.