Canadian tourists set fire in Dalmatia: One person arrested, two tourists still wanted by police

Canadian tourists sparked a fire in Dalmatia, leading to one person being arrested and two others still missing, according to local authorities. The incident occurred near Bobodola, close to Drniš, on August 17th, when three individuals intentionally ignited flames on dry grass and shrubs. The blaze covered an area measuring 15 meters by three meters before being extinguished by firefighters within minutes. Four firefighters using two vehicles managed to fully suppress the fire just before 6 p.m. local time. The trio consisted of a 28-year-old Canadian woman, along with two other suspects, identified as a 30-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman, who were later found to have Serbian origins. They had allegedly fled the scene after setting the fire, reportedly escaping together with a minor child into Bosnia and Herzegovina. Witnesses and locals quickly responded, capturing images of the offenders and noting their vehicle’s license plate number. This information proved crucial in identifying the suspects. Following the initial escape, the 28-year-old woman eventually separated from the pair and attempted to return to Croatia alone. She claimed she wanted to check whether the border crossing was safe for her journey back to Canada. However, she was intercepted by Croatian police at the Kamensko border checkpoint, where she was immediately detained. The authorities confirmed that she had been handed over to the Šibenik-Knin County Police Department for further investigation. Charges against the detained woman include endangering life and property through dangerous conduct. A formal criminal complaint has already been filed against her, highlighting the severity of the alleged actions. Meanwhile, the two remaining fugitives continue to elude authorities. Croatian police have intensified efforts to locate them, utilizing both local resources and cooperation with neighboring countries. The incident underscores the potential dangers posed by unauthorized fires in sensitive natural areas, particularly during dry seasons. Local officials emphasized the importance of strict adherence to safety regulations when engaging in outdoor activities. The case also raises questions about the responsibility of foreign visitors in maintaining environmental and public safety standards. Authorities are currently working to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the intentional ignition of the fire. While the immediate danger has been contained, the ongoing search for the two missing suspects remains a priority. Further details regarding the legal proceedings and potential consequences for all involved will likely emerge in the coming days. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that such incidents do not occur again.