Boban has revealed why the fire in Omis wasn't activated.

A fire broke out near Omis in Split-Dalmatia county over the weekend, prompting local authorities to declare a major natural disaster. The incident occurred during the night, with emergency services quickly responding to contain the blaze. According to Split-Dalmatian mayor Blaženko Boban, the fire affected a small area near Omis, though it was swiftly extinguished by firefighters. However, the fire spread to the summit of Omis Mountain, a location deemed inaccessible for conventional firefighting efforts. Canadian firefighters were deployed to tackle the blaze due to its remote nature. The situation has been declared under control, with all evacuation centers closed and residents returning to their homes. Thirty-seven tourists have been accommodated in a hotel in Tučepi, according to Boban. He described the current state as calm, although the community remains on alert. Boban expressed gratitude to all emergency services and firefighters for their response. On the issue of damage assessment, Boban stated that he had decided to declare a major natural disaster, which has already been officially recognized. A meeting held in Omis confirmed this decision, declaring the region under a state of natural disaster. Damage assessments will take place over the coming days and possibly weeks. A large portion of houses remain intact, while some have suffered damage. The number of damaged vehicles is high, and police and officials are conducting inspections to assess the extent of the destruction. When asked why the SRUUK system was not activated, Boban explained that the fire occurred overnight, and it was evident that a fire had broken out. He spoke with firefighters who indicated that activating the SRUUK would have caused additional panic among the broader population and further congested traffic, making access for emergency services more difficult. Boban emphasized that the response from the services was exceptional. The fire has raised concerns about the effectiveness of emergency protocols in such situations. Authorities are working to ensure that future incidents are managed efficiently, minimizing risks to both residents and emergency personnel. The declaration of a natural disaster allows for the mobilization of resources and support for affected communities, including financial assistance and reconstruction efforts. Local officials are coordinating with national agencies to provide aid and support to those impacted by the fire. They are also reviewing procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The focus remains on ensuring the safety of residents and visitors in the region, particularly given the increasing frequency of wildfires in recent years. Emergency services continue to monitor the situation closely, with ongoing assessments of the damage and the impact on the local environment. The cooperation between local and national authorities is crucial in addressing the challenges posed by such disasters. Residents are being advised to stay vigilant and follow official guidelines to ensure their safety. Authorities are preparing for potential long-term effects of the fire, including environmental recovery and infrastructure repairs. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and rapid response in managing natural disasters. Efforts are underway to restore normalcy in the affected areas, with continued support from emergency services and government bodies.