Three patients injured in an accidental fire are still in critical condition, with burns on up to 70 percent of their bodies.
Three patients injured in a fire in Omiš remain in critical condition, requiring mechanical ventilation and intensive care treatment. The victims suffered burns covering up to 70% of their body surface area, along with inhalation injuries confirmed through additional diagnostics. The fire, which occurred in the Omiš area, destroyed 58 residential buildings, two garages, 36 vehicles, 25 boats, two trailers, one motorcycle, and two trucks. Local authorities reported that the damage assessment is ongoing, and some structures were only minimally affected but still included in the count. Temporary shelters in Omiš and Grižane have been closed as residents returned home or continued their travels. The mayor emphasized that the incident was classified as a major accident rather than a natural disaster, allowing relevant institutions to mobilize necessary services. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and the mayor expressed hope for stricter penalties if the fire was intentionally caused. One person died in the fire, while ten others sustained severe burns and were hospitalized.
Fire disaster near Omiš sparks massive rescue operation A large fire near Omiš has triggered a major emergency response, with residents fleeing their homes and leaving vehicles abandoned on the road. The incident unfolded on August 13, 2026, when flames rapidly spread through the area, engulfing residential buildings, garages, vehicles, boats, and other structures. Firefighters were called in quickly, but the situation was described as catastrophic due to the speed of the blaze and the extent of damage caused. The fire, which began around 8:15 PM local time, quickly turned into a wildfire, fueled by dry vegetation and strong winds. Witnesses reported that the fire started as a small brushfire on a hillside above the village but soon expanded into a massive inferno that threatened nearby settlements. As the flames approached Omiš, residents fled their homes, abandoning cars along the Ravnica-Nemira highway. Some vehicles were left running, while others were completely destroyed. The road became impassable, forcing emergency services to clear debris and remove damaged vehicles to restore access. Bogdan Utrobičić, a firefighter from the regional fire department, played a key role in coordinating the response. He initially attempted to assist alone but quickly realized the scale of the problem. “The situation is catastrophic,” he stated. “I couldn’t do anything alone, but my friends are all I have. I called them and just said, ‘Burn the trucks and come to Omiš.’” His call for help led to an immediate and widespread response, with volunteers and fellow firefighters arriving with heavy machinery and equipment to aid in clearing the area. By early morning, the main fire had been contained, though extensive damage remained. The Ravnica-Nemira road was reopened after approximately one hour, despite the numerous abandoned and partially burned vehicles scattered along its path. Photographs taken at the scene show the devastation, cars reduced to charred skeletons, roads blocked by debris, and entire neighborhoods scorched. Utrobičić expressed gratitude to his colleagues and friends who arrived promptly to offer assistance, emphasizing the importance of community support during such crises. In addition to the physical destruction, the fire resulted in severe injuries and loss of life. Three individuals remain critically injured and are still in intensive care, with some suffering burns covering up to 70% of their bodies. One person died as a result of the incident. Medical teams in Split and Zagreb continue to treat the wounded, with some patients requiring surgical interventions to remove burned skin and reconstruct damaged tissue. Dr. Ivan Utrobičić, a physician at the KBC Split hospital, noted that treating severe burn victims involves more than just addressing visible wounds, it affects the entire body, leading to complex physiological changes and requiring multidisciplinary care involving specialists in anesthesia, critical care, infectious diseases, nutrition, and psychological support. Local authorities confirmed that the fire affected 58 residential buildings, two garages, 36 vehicles, 25 boats, two trailers, one motorcycle, and two freight vehicles. While the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, officials ruled out intentional arson, citing insufficient evidence. The mayor of the Split-Dalmatia County, Blaženko Boban, emphasized that the incident will be classified as a major accident rather than a natural disaster, allowing for the deployment of necessary resources and services. Emergency shelters were set up in sports halls and public buildings, accommodating displaced residents before they returned home or sought alternative accommodations elsewhere. Volunteers and local businesses also contributed significantly to the relief efforts. In Brela, authorities issued warnings urging residents to turn their vehicles toward the exit direction to facilitate faster evacuation if needed. Civil defense units and volunteers were deployed to monitor the situation and provide assistance. In Makarska, 45 people who fled the fire were temporarily housed at a primary school, where they received food, water, and shelter. Mayor Zoran Paunović assured residents that additional accommodation would be available if required. As the region continues to recover, ongoing assessments are being conducted to determine the full extent of the damage and identify areas needing reconstruction. The fire serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of rural communities to sudden environmental threats, highlighting the need for improved preparedness and rapid response mechanisms. The tragedy underscores the resilience of both individuals and communities in times of crisis, as neighbors and professionals came together to mitigate the impact of the disaster.
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