The owner of the cafe where the fire broke out: "My wife saw how it all started.

A fire broke out above a café in Lokva Rogoznica, near the coastal road, according to local reports. The owner of the café, Goran Lović, claimed that everything happened in seconds and that the fire was intentional. He told journalists from Jutarnji list that his wife saw the flames erupt above the café around 10:23 p.m., prompting them to return quickly to the area. Lović described how the fire appeared suddenly, with open flames emerging in the section where the forest meets the roadside, which has no houses nearby. He insisted that the fire was not accidental, stating that otherwise it would have started burning on its own in the woods. He added that he had been walking along the road when his wife called him, alerting him to the situation. They returned immediately to the village, where they remained with other locals to protect their homes. The café, known as Morska vila, is located close to the beach and adjacent to the main road. According to Lović, the fire spread rapidly from the sea over the road and up into the hills. He noted that while some residents stayed behind to guard their homes, all outsiders had fled, as they were safer elsewhere. He estimated that approximately 30 local residents remained in the area, staying on the beaches. Lović said that although they did not fear the fire itself, given their experience with wildfires in Omiš, they were concerned for their children. Despite the danger, he stated that they had no intention of leaving their homes, choosing instead to stay and protect what they could. Local authorities have been monitoring the situation, and efforts continue to contain the blaze. Firefighters arrived at the scene shortly after the initial reports of smoke and flames. Emergency services confirmed that the fire originated in the wooded area just beyond the café, where there are no residential buildings. Initial assessments suggest that the fire was not caused by an electrical fault or gas leak, though further investigations are ongoing. Authorities have not yet ruled out the possibility of arson, citing Lović’s claim that the fire was deliberate. Residents in the surrounding areas have expressed concern over the rapid spread of the fire, particularly due to the proximity of the blaze to the coastline. Some have reported seeing thick smoke rising from the hills, while others have described the smell of burning wood carried by the wind. Local officials have urged caution and advised anyone who feels unsafe to evacuate the area promptly. As of late evening, the fire continues to burn, with firefighters working tirelessly to control its spread. While the exact cause remains under investigation, the incident has sparked discussions among local communities about preparedness and emergency response strategies. For now, the focus remains on containing the fire and ensuring the safety of those in the vicinity.