A massive wildfire has devastated the coastal town of Omiš in Croatia, leaving behind a trail of destruction spanning over 1,000 hectares. The blaze, which started around 8 pm on Thursday near Lokva Rogoznica and spread rapidly due to strong winds, engulfed homes, vehicles, and boats, with official figures indicating 58 houses, 39 vehicles, and 25 boats were consumed by flames. The fire’s perimeter stretched approximately 23 kilometers, from Lokva Rogoznica to Omiš, marking one of the largest wildfires in recent memory. The situation escalated quickly, with residents reporting that the fire reached their properties within minutes. Marijo Lović, a local resident whose home was among the first to catch fire, described the speed at which the flames advanced. He recounted how he managed to save one vehicle using a hydrant but lost his family's car and a van. Lović expressed frustration over the lack of effective firefighting infrastructure, noting that while hydrants exist, they often fail to provide sufficient pressure during emergencies. He accused the state of neglecting critical infrastructure, arguing that such disasters are recurring and preventable. Firefighters continue to work tirelessly to contain the blaze, with efforts ongoing to clear burned-out structures and assess the extent of damage. The mayor of Omiš, Zvonko Močić, confirmed that the official process of documenting losses will begin once the fire is declared extinguished, likely by tomorrow. He emphasized that while government funds have been promised, the final compensation will depend on the legality of property ownership and the actual value of damages. The administrative process is expected to take several months, with affected residents being notified of specific dates to submit claims. In addition to human casualties, the fire has left many without power, housing, and personal belongings. Over 200 workers from HEP, cooperatives, and other services are currently working to restore electricity, with approximately 80% of the area expected to regain power today. Despite these efforts, some residents still face challenges accessing basic necessities, prompting calls for more support. Volunteers are actively searching for surviving animals, providing food, water, and shelter, while others assist in clearing debris and rescuing livestock. The disaster has also prompted emotional responses from the community, with locals expressing both grief and gratitude. Mario Popovac, a local boat owner who participated in rescue operations, described the harrowing scenes witnessed on the sea, where over 500 people sought refuge. Many were elderly or families with children, and some were trapped in the surf. Popovac and other volunteers used private vessels to evacuate survivors, navigating through dense smoke and strong currents. His account highlighted the bravery and solidarity displayed by both professionals and ordinary citizens. Meanwhile, the Croatian Football Federation, known as Hajduk, issued a heartfelt message expressing solidarity with the victims and those who fought against the fire. They praised the courage and dedication of firefighters and wished recovery for all affected individuals, emphasizing the enduring bond between the community and its natural surroundings. As the region begins to recover, officials stress the importance of patience and cooperation. While the immediate aftermath is daunting, there is hope that the town can rebuild and heal. The mayor urged residents to remain resilient, stating that life continues despite the devastation. With continued support from local authorities and the broader community, Omiš is slowly beginning to emerge from the ashes of this catastrophic event.
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