Mario from Lokva Rogoznica: 'I went through the fire where the girl died, I was afraid I might suffocate'
A major fire originating in Lokva Rogoznica quickly spread towards Omis, causing significant material damage and leaving many families struggling to restore their lives. Reporter Ivana Ivanda Rožić spoke with Mario Lović, who described how the fire reached his house within minutes and nearly destroyed it. He mentioned that he was able to save one vehicle using a hydrant but noted that the situation was extremely dangerous. The fire started near green pines and spread rapidly, destroying nearby properties including a café bar on the beach. Lović expressed doubts about whether the fire was deliberately set, pointing out that there were no structures or barbecue areas nearby, just a path leading to the beach. Police investigated the area using surveillance footage and drones, focusing on whether any vehicles had entered or passed through. Lović emphasized the lack of adequate firefighting infrastructure in the region, criticizing the government for not investing properly in water supply systems rather than unnecessary purchases like helicopters.
A severe storm hit the Kvarner region late Tuesday afternoon, causing damage to multiple locations. Firefighters on the island of Rab were pumping water out of public and private buildings, while in Lopar several family homes suffered roof damage. In Rijeka, multiple trees fell onto cars. The storm also caused power outages at the Rijeka Refinery in Urinj, which temporarily lost electricity due to thunderstorm weather around 4 PM. This affected the operation of production units and the safety system known as "baklja." The refinery's management stated that power has since been restored, and stabilization of the system and gradual restart of production units are underway. They warned that during the coming weeks, as the stabilization and restart continue, there might be occasional instances of increased flame on the "baklja." Firefighters in Rijeka continued their interventions, mainly removing fallen trees in the eastern part of the city, with one tree falling onto parked vehicles. In addition to the storm-related incidents, a major fire broke out in the area of Omis, resulting in significant damage and casualties. The local government of Zagreb announced a donation of 130,000 euros to support the affected residents of Omis. Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomašević made the decision with the support of the president of the City Council, Matej Mišić. This was the highest amount the mayor could approve without rebalancing the city budget or holding a session of the City Council. The mayor emphasized ongoing communication with the mayor of Omis, Zvonko Močić, to determine further assistance needed for the affected population. Thirty-three firefighters from Zagreb returned to the city after three days of participating in firefighting efforts on the Pelješac Peninsula. Their return was welcomed by Deputy Mayor and Head of the Civil Protection Headquarters of Zagreb, Luka Korlaet, who thanked them for their bravery and dedication. Medical reports indicated that four patients severely injured in the Omis fire remain critically ill, with planned surgical procedures expected in the coming days. Seven other patients with less serious injuries are recovering in different hospital departments. Treatment for patients with severe burn injuries is highly demanding and long-term, requiring intensive care, continuous multidisciplinary monitoring, and multiple surgical procedures conducted in stages according to their health status and recovery progress. The identity of the person who died in the Omis fire has been officially confirmed as a young woman from Bosnia and Herzegovina. She was identified through DNA analysis and autopsy following her death on August 13. She had been living in Croatia as a seasonal worker. During the fire, she was in a car with two others, but she became separated from the vehicle and was later found dead. One of the individuals in the car sustained serious injuries. The fire resulted in 38 injuries, with ten people hospitalized due to life-threatening conditions. Many houses and personal vehicles were destroyed. Cleanup operations have begun in the affected areas, with volunteers and organizations such as the Red Cross providing essential supplies and support to the affected residents. The mayor of Omis, Zvonko Močić, highlighted the importance of immediate action to prevent landslides and rockfalls, emphasizing the need for prompt financial assistance from local authorities and citizens. Residents are advised to start collecting documentation for damage claims, as the Split-Dalmatian County Governor is expected to declare a natural disaster by September 1. This will allow residents to formally report damages and seek compensation. Meanwhile, another large fire broke out near Dinara, burning over 15,000 hectares of land. Firefighters have struggled to contain the blaze due to dry conditions, high temperatures, and strong winds. The fire has spread across difficult terrain, making access challenging even with aerial support. Experts warn that the ecological impact could take decades to recover, given the area’s biodiversity. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, a man died while attempting to extinguish a fire near Tešnja. Multiple fires are currently active near the Croatian border, including one near Bosanski Grahov close to the Croatian border. These fires are being tackled by both Croatian and Bosnian firefighting teams, with challenges posed by inaccessible and potentially mined terrain. International media coverage of the Omis fire included dramatic footage captured by Croatian firefighters using body cameras, shared by the New York Post and the British Telegraph. These videos showed the intensity of the fire and the heroic efforts of the firefighters. The incident received global attention, highlighting the severity of the situation and the resilience of the emergency responders. The fire in Omis left behind extensive damage, with estimated losses exceeding 110 million euros. Local and national authorities are working together to provide relief and support to the affected communities, ensuring that necessary resources are available for recovery and rebuilding efforts.
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A fire broke out in Lokva Rogoznica near Omis, spreading rapidly through the area and causing significant damage to homes, vehicles, and other property. Mario Lovic, whose house was among the first affected, described the intense situation he faced during the blaze. He noted that the fire spread at an unprecedented speed compared to previous fires in the region, destroying parts of Lokva Rogoznica within an hour and completely burning down a beachside restaurant in just 30–40 minutes. Lovic suspects the fire did not occur by chance, pointing to the location where it started, near a path behind a hill with no nearby structures, and mentioned that police are investigating potential causes, including reviewing surveillance footage and drone imagery. Despite the destruction, there were no human casualties, though several residents had to evacuate while a few stayed behind to try to save what they could using hydrants and hoses.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a natural disaster (fire) and its impact on local communities, quoting a resident and mentioning police investigations. The framing remains neutral, focusing on the event itself, the personal experience of the interviewee, and the ongoing investigation. There is no clear bias,
Why factuality (95): The article accurately reflects the details from the primary source document, including the location, timeline, and personal accounts of Marija Lović. It maintains consistency with the original report and does not introduce new or conflicting information.
Why objectivity (85): The tone remains neutral, presenting the situation without overt bias. While there is some concern expressed about infrastructure and safety, it is framed as a community issue rather than a political or ideological stance.
A major fire originating in Lokva Rogoznica quickly spread towards Omis, causing significant material damage and leaving many families struggling to restore their lives. Reporter Ivana Ivanda Rožić spoke with Mario Lović, who described how the fire reached his house within minutes and nearly destroyed it. He mentioned that he was able to save one vehicle using a hydrant but noted that the situation was extremely dangerous. The fire started near green pines and spread rapidly, destroying nearby properties including a café bar on the beach. Lović expressed doubts about whether the fire was deliberately set, pointing out that there were no structures or barbecue areas nearby, just a path leading to the beach. Police investigated the area using surveillance footage and drones, focusing on whether any vehicles had entered or passed through. Lović emphasized the lack of adequate firefighting infrastructure in the region, criticizing the government for not investing properly in water supply systems rather than unnecessary purchases like helicopters.
Bias read (Progressive): The article highlights inadequate infrastructure and criticizes the government for misallocating resources, suggesting a focus on systemic issues and calling for investment in local communities over military or high-tech equipment. This framing implies criticism of current policies and calls for a左倾
Why factuality (90): This article closely mirrors the content of the primary source document, providing direct quotes and similar descriptions of the events. It aligns with the original report and includes specific details like the role of cameras and police investigation.
Why objectivity (85): The narrative is largely objective, though it emphasizes the personal experience of Marija Lović, which could be seen as slightly subjective. However, this is typical in human-interest stories and doesn't significantly skew the overall neutrality.
On August 17, 2026, the Croatian military deployed four Canadair CL-415 aircraft and three Air Tractor AT-802 planes to combat wildfires in the areas of Omis and Lokva Rogoznica. These fires were part of a larger wildfire crisis affecting Dalmatia, with footage captured by a Croatian aircrew and shared by the Ministry of Defense. This video was later published by the British newspaper The Telegraph, drawing international attention. The footage shows the intensity of the fire and the challenging conditions faced by aerial firefighting teams. In addition to aerial efforts, the Croatian coast guard participated in evacuating civilians, while ground firefighters coordinated with air support. The fires caused significant damage, including the destruction of dozens of homes, over 100 vehicles, and numerous boats along the coast. Local authorities have reported extensive losses, though final assessments of agricultural damage are still pending.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual account of the wildfire situation in Croatia, focusing on the involvement of the Croatian military and the extent of the damage. It includes quotes from military officials and reports from local authorities, presenting both the operational aspects and the impact of the
Why factuality (85): Consistent with other articles on military involvement and firefighting efforts. Mentions casualty figures and coordination between air and ground forces, aligning with primary source. No contradictions with other reports.
Why objectivity (80): Professional and informative, with a slight emphasis on heroic efforts, but remains objective overall.
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