Massive damage from the fire at Omis, 58 houses, 36 vehicles, 25 boats...

A major fire broke out near Omiš, Croatia, causing extensive damage to residential properties, vehicles, and boats. According to local authorities, 58 homes were affected, along with two garages, 36 vehicles, 25 boats, two trailers, one motorcycle, and two trucks. The information was provided by Blaženko Boban, the mayor of the Split-Dalmatia County, based on data collected up to 1 PM on Saturday. He noted that the figures are not yet final and that some of the damaged properties might have only minor issues. Further categorization of the damages will be necessary, he added. The investigation into the extent of the damage continues, though Boban does not expect a significant increase in the numbers. Reception centers set up in the sports hall in Grippa and in Omiš have been disbanded after residents returned to their homes or accommodations. Thirty-seven people remain in hotels in Tučepi, while others have either gone back to their houses or continued their travels as tourists. The fire site has been almost completely extinguished, and teams from Elektrodalmacija are working to restore electricity supply gradually. These efforts could be completed by the end of the day or early tomorrow, according to Boban. The Red Cross continues to operate in Omiš, providing food and drinks to Elektrodalmacija crews and residents unable to prepare meals themselves. Boban clarified that he did not declare a natural disaster following the fire but rather a major accident. This decision allows relevant institutions to authorize all necessary utility companies and services. Regarding the cause of the fire, Boban stated that results of police investigations are needed before any conclusions can be drawn. He emphasized that he cannot confirm whether the fire was intentional. However, he expressed his belief that penalties for deliberately starting fires should be stricter due to the threat to life and property destruction. He thanked firefighters, police, the Red Cross, emergency service 112, volunteers, and owners of shops and hospitality businesses who assisted during the fire. Boban expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and wished a quick recovery to all injured individuals receiving treatment in Split and Zagreb. One person died in the fire, and ten others suffered severe burns and were hospitalized.