The owner of the bar where the fire started, we're convinced this was planted.

A witness described the fire as intentional, claiming it began in an area with no houses, according to local media reports. The blaze erupted around 8:21 p.m. near Lokva Rogoznica, along the motorway, and continues to pose a serious threat. Strong winds have complicated efforts to extinguish the flames, which are spreading rapidly. Firefighters from multiple regions are on site, but nighttime conditions have limited their ability to intervene effectively. The owner of the café "Morska Vila," located above which the fire broke out, told the newspaper Jutarnji list that the fire ignited suddenly. Goran Lović explained that everything went up in flames instantly. He noted that there was open flame in an area where there were no houses, suggesting the fire was deliberately set. “It was intentional,” he said, adding that otherwise, the fire would have started on its own in the forest. Lović recounted that his wife called him while they were walking near Hajduk’s street, informing him that the fire had begun above the café at 8:23 p.m., prompting them to rush back to Lokva. Firefighters are working under challenging conditions, with wind making containment difficult. The situation remains critical, and the fire has spread quickly since its initial outbreak. Emergency services have been mobilized, but the lack of daylight and adverse weather conditions have hindered progress. Fire crews from different parts of Croatia are reinforcing the response, but the scale of the disaster suggests that the battle against the flames will take time. Local authorities have confirmed that the fire originated in a wooded area adjacent to the café. This location lacks residential structures, raising questions about how the fire could have started so close to populated areas. Witnesses have reported seeing smoke rising from the vicinity of the café shortly after 8:20 p.m. Some residents nearby fled their homes as a precaution, though no injuries have been officially reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, with officials urging patience as forensic teams examine the scene. Authorities have activated emergency protocols, coordinating resources across several municipalities. Aerial support has been deployed, and additional personnel are en route to assist with ground operations. Despite these measures, the intensity of the fire has made it difficult to control. Officials have warned that the fire could continue to spread unless favorable weather conditions develop soon. Residents in surrounding areas have been advised to remain alert and follow official instructions. As of now, the fire remains active, with firefighters continuing their efforts to contain the blaze. The incident highlights the challenges faced by emergency responders during large-scale wildfires, particularly in rural and wooded areas. Further updates are expected as more information becomes available. The community remains on high alert, waiting for clarity on the extent of the damage and the full circumstances surrounding the fire's origin.