Video from Omis is spreading, grandson rescuing grandmother in spots

A massive wildfire broke out late yesterday evening near the village of Savar, south of Brbinja on Dugi Otok, sparking widespread fear among residents who feared the island could become the next Omis. The fire spread rapidly through dense vegetation, prompting over 100 firefighters to battle the blaze throughout the night and early morning. Fifty additional firefighters arrived from the mainland via special ferry service, while Canadian aircraft joined efforts in the afternoon. Despite initial control, the fire reignited later in the day, threatening several vacation homes outside the settlement. However, firefighters managed to contain the flames, with no injuries reported and all structures remaining intact. Residents expressed relief that the wind was blowing from the north, carrying the fire toward the sea rather than inland. “If the wind had been coming from the south, everything would have burned,” said one elderly resident, recalling past dangerous fires on the island. The lack of electricity and mobile signal during the crisis added to the challenges faced by the community. “We couldn’t communicate. There was no power all Saturday. I was planning to take everything out of the freezer, meat and fish, and pack it to send to my family in Zadar. We’re on the island; we bring everything except the fish from the mainland,” another resident explained. The situation remained tense as the fire threatened parts of the island, with some areas coming close to being engulfed. Firefighters worked tirelessly to protect homes and prevent further spread. According to Matej Rudić, commander of the Fire Department of the Zadar County, the fire posed a threat to some vacation homes located outside the main settlement. Fortunately, these were successfully defended. In Omis, the fire situation was equally dire. A large fire erupted in Lokva Rogoznica overnight and spread towards the town, forcing evacuations and causing significant damage. Over 40 people were injured, with ten in serious condition. A body was found by police during their inspection of the affected area, and searches continue for a 34-year-old woman who went missing while fleeing the fire. The local mayor, Blaženko Boban, stated that the emergency services responded effectively, though the decision not to activate the SRUUK system was made to avoid additional panic and traffic congestion. Meanwhile, musician Mladen Grdović called upon fellow artists to provide immediate financial assistance to those affected by the fires. He proposed direct donations instead of waiting for organized charity concerts, urging musicians to contribute €5,000 each. His call received positive responses from fans and colleagues, emphasizing the need for swift action to support those in need. Healthcare facilities in Zadar offered their support to Split’s hospitals, which were overwhelmed by the influx of patients due to the fires. The General Hospital in Zadar pledged its capacity to help manage the increased patient load and expressed solidarity with healthcare workers on the ground. As the fires continued to rage, images captured the devastation left behind, showing scorched landscapes and damaged vehicles. Despite the destruction, life slowly returned to normal in some areas, with beachgoers returning to the shores and locals resuming daily routines. However, the emotional toll on the communities affected by the fires remains profound, with many still grappling with the aftermath of the disaster. Firefighters continued their efforts to extinguish the flames, conducting thorough searches of the affected areas to ensure no one was trapped. Chief firefighter Slavko Tucaković emphasized the importance of continuing the search for potential casualties, acknowledging the possibility that someone might have perished in the fires. As the situation evolves, authorities remain vigilant, preparing for possible long-term recovery efforts and assessing the extent of the damage caused by the wildfires.