A firefighter was killed in the fire at Omis, his wife was also injured

A respected firefighter who had long served his community has died following severe injuries sustained in a devastating fire near Omiš, Croatia. The incident, which occurred on August 13, left multiple casualties and extensive damage to property and infrastructure. According to reports, the man, known as Drago Lelas, was among the victims who suffered life-threatening injuries during the blaze. He passed away after two weeks of intensive treatment at the Clinical Hospital Center in Split, where he was receiving care for severe burns and other trauma. Lelas, a prominent member of the Volunteer Fire Department (PGD) in Omiš, held leadership positions within the organization for many years. His contributions extended beyond firefighting, including training fellow volunteers since 1981. In recognition of his humanitarian efforts, he received awards such as the Croatian Red Cross Medal for 100 blood donations and the City of Omiš Award for lifetime work. His wife, also injured in the fire, was hospitalized alongside him at the same facility. Both were found at their home in Stanići, which was engulfed in flames during the disaster. The fire, fueled by strong winds and heavy rain, spread rapidly through the area, forcing hundreds of residents and tourists to evacuate. Many of the displaced sought shelter in sports halls in Omiš and Split. Emergency services, including air support, worked tirelessly over several days to contain the blaze, which ultimately consumed dozens of homes, vehicles, and commercial buildings. The destruction included forests, olive groves, orchards, and agricultural land, with material losses estimated in the tens of millions of euros. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. At least three individuals remain critically injured, with ongoing medical interventions required. The death of Lelas marks the second fatality linked to the fire, following that of 34-year-old Dragana Antešević, a citizen of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who perished while trapped in the inferno. Several others were seriously hurt, some requiring transfer to hospitals in Zagreb for further treatment. Local authorities have confirmed that the fire’s impact extends beyond immediate casualties, with entire communities left homeless and businesses destroyed. Firefighters from across Dalmacia and other parts of Croatia responded to the emergency, working for nearly two weeks to control the situation. Their efforts were crucial in preventing even greater loss of life and property. Despite these efforts, the scale of the disaster underscores the vulnerability of rural areas to extreme weather conditions. Infrastructure, including power lines and communication networks, was severely damaged, leaving some residents without electricity for an extended period. In response to the tragedy, the local volunteer fire department issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of its longtime member. They praised Lelas for his dedication and service, noting that his legacy will endure in the hearts of those he helped. As recovery efforts continue, the affected communities face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives and livelihoods in the wake of one of the worst fires in Croatia this year. The search for the fire's origin continues, with police and investigators still working to determine its exact cause.