Nearly 700 people have been evacuated from the Croatian island of Brac following the outbreak of a rapidly spreading wildfire that threatened residential and tourist areas. Firefighters battled the flames throughout Saturday night and into Sunday morning to protect homes and accommodations along the coast.
The situation intensified dramatically near the western coastal town of Milna. Frane Lozic, the mayor of Milna, described the previous night’s events as catastrophic and nearly uncontrollable. He stated that authorities had believed they had contained the fire by Saturday, only for a sudden change in sea winds at 9 p.m. to reignite the blaze with intense speed. “I would have not believed that it can wipe out everything in its path so quickly,” Lozic told the Net.hr news outlet.
Emergency response efforts involved over 220 firefighters operating 69 vehicles, along with specialized firefighting aircraft. Tourist vessels also assisted in the overnight rescue operations, with many visitors spending the night on beaches awaiting evacuation. As of Sunday morning, officials reported that while there were no longer any active open fires, ground teams remained on site to prevent reignition.
No fatalities have been attributed to the fire itself. However, Index.hr reported that a 76-year-old Croatian woman was hospitalized in critical condition after falling from a ship during the evacuation process. Additionally, a 27-year-old man received treatment for smoke inhalation and was subsequently released.
Authorities estimate that approximately 3,500 hectares (8,600 acres) have been impacted by the disaster. While some buildings have sustained damage, officials indicated it is too early to provide a comprehensive assessment of the destruction. Government ministers and the head of Croatia’s national firefighting service are scheduled to hold a high-level meeting with local officials on Brac to discuss the incident further.
Glad no one died in the flames themselves, but that injury on the boat is a harsh reminder of how dangerous these emergency evactions can be.
8,600 acres gone. It is sad we keep ignoring how climate change is making these Mediterranean summers dangerously unpredictable and intense.
I’m from Split. The wind shift mentioned by the mayor is classic for these islands. Dry vegetation plus sudden gusts creates instant infernos.
Terrifying to hear about the woman falling during evacuation. Fire conditions changed so fast, that must have been chaos on the water.