After the fire, Subašić made a move that delighted Croatia

A former Croatian national team goalkeeper has drawn widespread admiration after offering his support to firefighters battling a blaze near his hometown. Danijel Subašić, once a prominent figure in Croatian football, visited the scene of a fire in Zagrad near Benkovc and offered assistance to the emergency responders. The incident took place following a fire that broke out late Saturday evening, prompting local firefighters from the Benkovc unit of the Croatian Fire Service (Jugoslovenska Vojska Pomorska, JVP) to respond swiftly. After the firefighting operation concluded, Subašić appeared among the firefighters, asking if there was anything he could do to help. His gesture was captured in a photograph shared by the Facebook page "Vatrogasci 193," which quickly gained public attention. While some social media users joked about his footwear, many praised Subašić for his visit and support to the firefighters. Born in Zadar, Subašić has family ties to Zagrad, adding symbolic significance to his appearance at the site of the fire. The fires have been part of a broader wave of wildfires affecting Dalmatia over recent days. In addition to the fire in Zagrad, other areas such as Omiš, Pelješac, and Dugi Otok have faced significant challenges due to intense heat and strong winds. On Saturday afternoon, a powerful wind reignited a fire on Dugi Otok, which had previously been localized around 8 AM. According to reports from the Zadar County Fire Department, the fire started on the territory of Dinara, crossing into Croatia from Bosnia and Herzegovina. This particular fire affected open spaces and low vegetation, requiring extensive efforts to contain. The situation was further complicated by the need for ground forces, including military units, to assist in firefighting operations for the first time this summer. The Ministry of Defense confirmed that members of the Croatian Army's anti-fire unit were deployed to the area of Dinara-Suvi Vrh in the Šibenik-Knin County, supporting local firefighting teams. Firefighters have been working tirelessly under challenging conditions. Pilots operating Canadair aircraft and Air Tractors have spent hundreds of hours flying over affected regions, often with little rest. According to Colonel Milan Došen, commander of the 855th Anti-Fire Squadron, pilots have accumulated approximately 650 flight hours dedicated solely to extinguishing fires, with additional hours spent on reconnaissance missions. This totals roughly 800 flight hours, more than double the amount recorded last year. The intensity of the current season has been attributed to dry weather and frequent strong winds, making the spread of fires particularly rapid. Despite these difficulties, the personnel continue their work with dedication, aiming to protect citizens and property. In response to the crisis, the city of Pula has pledged financial support to Omiš, donating 20,000 euros to aid in recovery efforts. Officials from Pula expressed deep empathy for those affected by the fires, emphasizing the importance of solidarity during times of tragedy. They noted that the donation aims to contribute to alleviating the consequences of the fires and assisting in the restoration and cleanup process. Additionally, they extended gratitude to all firefighters, emergency service personnel, civil protection workers, volunteers, and citizens who have worked day and night to safeguard lives, property, and the environment against the fires impacting Omiš and other parts of Croatia. Meanwhile, the state highway D553, known as the Omiš bypass, has been temporarily closed to all traffic due to a power outage affecting monitoring systems within the tunnel. The closure comes as part of safety measures taken by the Croatian Roads Agency, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by authorities managing the aftermath of the fires. As the situation continues to evolve, officials remain vigilant, urging caution among residents and emphasizing the need for continued cooperation between emergency services and the community to mitigate risks associated with the persistent threat of wildfires.