Chief Fire Chief of Istria: Fire belts should be built around the settlement

A major wildfire broke out in Omis, Croatia, on Saturday, resulting in one fatality and four serious injuries. The blaze destroyed homes, olive groves, and vehicles, with over ten individuals sustaining minor injuries. Firefighters have brought the situation under control, and the area has been declared safe. According to reports, nearly two thousand residents were evacuated during the incident, and many returned to their accommodations after the fire was contained. However, some tourists still require assistance, including transportation, information, and help with documents or reconnecting with family members. The impact of the fire has left lasting psychological effects on those who witnessed it. Tomislav Gojo, head of the City Organization of the Red Cross in Split, noted that people experiencing such trauma often struggle to make rational decisions. He described how individuals acted on instinct, and the footage captured appears terrifying. Gojo emphasized that the Red Cross continues to offer support through its emergency services, with volunteers and citizens contributing significantly to relief efforts. Many locals demonstrated compassion, stepping in to assist when immediate aid could not be provided. Fire Chief Dino Kozlevac of the Istrian County Fire Department warned that panic is the greatest danger in such situations. He stressed that fear is a natural reaction, even among firefighters, but maintaining calm and following instructions is crucial. Kozlevac advised people to evacuate immediately, close windows if possible, take personal belongings and documents, and move to a safe location. He cautioned against staying in vehicles on roads affected by fire, as they can block access for rescue teams. Vehicles should not be left in green areas, and documents should be kept together for quick retrieval. Evacuation efforts were largely organized, with almost two thousand people safely relocated. Kozlevac highlighted the need for more rigorous prevention measures to avoid future wildfires. He called for thorough cleaning of neglected forest areas, regardless of ownership, and pointed out the dangers of building structures within pine forests or planting trees directly adjacent to homes. He explained that trees leaning against houses create potential hazards, as fires can spread from vegetation into buildings. He recommended professional planning for buffer zones around homes and communities, free of dense vegetation. Additionally, he suggested planting mixed cultures instead of pine forests, constructing additional forest paths, and investing heavily in preventive measures. He further proposed adjusting regulations so that the state can clean neglected private parcels and charge landowners accordingly. “No one has the right to endanger others through their negligence,” he stated. The spread of wildfires is typically linked to uncleaned forest areas, emphasizing the importance of proactive management. Kozlevac acknowledged progress made in recent years regarding firefighting organization and equipment investment. However, he stressed that more must be done. Air forces assist in large-scale interventions, yet many fires are extinguished before they escalate by ground crews. He noted that while improvements have been made, continued effort is essential to better prepare for such disasters.