They're investigating the cause of the fire in Omis.

The fire that devastated the area around Omiš on August 13, 2026, has prompted an ongoing investigation into its cause and the failure of early warning systems to activate. According to the State Prosecutor’s Office, the blaze began around 8 p.m. near the forested area close to the village of Lokva Rogoznica. The fire spread rapidly due to strong winds, engulfing approximately 1,000 hectares of land over a stretch of about 23 kilometers long and 1.5 kilometers wide. At least one person lost their life, while 38 others were injured, with ten hospitalized in critical condition. Numerous homes, buildings, and vehicles were destroyed in the inferno. Authorities have begun collecting evidence and samples from the site to determine the origin of the fire. A post-mortem examination and DNA analysis of the deceased body have been ordered to identify the victim and establish the cause of death. Surveillance footage from the entire affected area has also been requested for review. Forensic experts from Zagreb’s Centre for Forensic Investigations, including Dr. Ivan Vučetić, are currently examining the scene to determine the exact cause of the fire. One of the most pressing questions surrounding the incident is why the System for Early Warning and Crisis Management (SRUUK) did not trigger. This system was introduced in August 2023 and is designed to provide rapid alerts to citizens about imminent dangers and necessary actions to reduce casualties and damage. Despite its existence, the system failed to activate during the fire, raising concerns about its reliability and effectiveness. Local officials have expressed frustration over this oversight. Blaženko Boban, a member of parliament and mayor of the Split-Dalmatia County, stated that the fire occurred late at night, and residents were aware of the situation. He noted that activating the system could have caused additional panic among residents, further congesting traffic and complicating access for emergency services. Boban emphasized that the response from all authorities was exceptional given the circumstances. Premier Andrej Plenković acknowledged the speed at which the fire spread and noted that local residents took initiative to help each other during the crisis. However, this assessment has drawn criticism from Marijana Puljak, a representative of the Liberal Party Center. She described Plenković’s comments as defeatist, arguing that the purpose of the SRUUK system is not merely to inform people that a fire is occurring, but to wake them up in the middle of the night and guide them effectively. Puljak pointed out that the lack of fast roads between Split and Omiš does not justify failing to activate the system, which cost nearly 8.4 million euros. In addition to the public inquiry into the fire's cause and the malfunction of the early warning system, there is growing attention to the medical response. Seven patients remain in critical condition after suffering severe burns, with three more admitted to the intensive care unit. Most injuries resulted from burns and smoke inhalation, with many individuals seeking immediate medical assistance due to breathing difficulties during evacuation efforts. The head of the Split Clinical Center activated all available medical teams to manage the influx of patients, even calling upon healthcare workers who were on vacation to assist. The hospital staff has faced challenges in providing timely care due to the large number of injured individuals. To address this, additional medical personnel have been deployed to ensure that all patients receive appropriate treatment. While the situation remains dire, the coordinated effort between emergency services and medical professionals continues to stabilize the conditions for the victims. As investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding both the origins of the disaster and the systemic failures that allowed such a catastrophe to unfold.