A massive wildfire has engulfed parts of Omiš, Croatia, burning homes, cars and buildings and forcing residents and tourists to flee by road and sea.
A massive wildfire has spread through Omis in Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia, forcing residents and tourists to flee as flames engulf homes, buildings and cars. Dramatic footage from the holiday destination shows the fire spreading rapidly through areas around the town.
The blaze broke out in Lokva Rogoznica and spread overnight toward Omis, affecting areas above the town. Strong winds have hampered firefighting efforts, causing the flames to spread quickly and change direction. Numerous houses and buildings have been endangered, while some homes have burned down. Footage from the area shows extensive material damage, including burned cars and buildings.
Flames Reach Omis As Residents And Tourists Flee
The fire crossed the Borak area and moved closer to the center of Omis. The famous Fortica fortress was also reported to be burning.
The blaze threatened to cross Omis Dinara mountain toward the dense forest in the Cetina River canyon. The fire also spread across the industrial area in Vrisovci, although the exact situation there remained unknown.
Reports from the area described the damage as enormous, with entire settlements affected. The flames even reached the sea, prompting people to flee by boat.
Omis Deputy Mayor Ivan Pivcevic said the strong wind was making the situation worse. “The fire is spreading. The wind is really not helping us at all. Numerous houses have burned down, and the flames are at the doorstep of many more buildings,” Pivcevic told local media.
Roads were closed because of the fire, while large crowds gathered in the Omis area. Some people were evacuated by boats as emergency crews worked to defend homes and stop the blaze from advancing toward the city.
The City of Omis designated City Sports Hall Ribnjak as a reception location for evacuated citizens and tourists from areas affected by the fire.