Volunteers help and search for injured animals at the fire station: We help, but our feet burn through our sneakers
Volunteers are helping search for injured animals and assisting people affected by wildfires in the area around Omis. The efforts continue due to the large number of affected animals and damage caused by the fire. Volunteers are collecting food, water, bowls, treats, and transporters for the animals, leaving some supplies at safe locations for both domestic and wild animals. Volunteer Olga Burić described the conditions as extremely difficult, noting that walking on burned ground was painful and dangerous. In Borak, volunteers helped a man who rescued five dogs from a burning box and a woman who saved 30 cats. People in the area are without electricity and water, and some homes are nearly uninhabitable. Authorities warn residents not to enter burned areas without contacting firefighters first and emphasize safety concerns such as unstable trees, falling rocks, and high ground temperatures. The Welo Team has adapted their website 'Kad zatreba' to coordinate aid, including assistance for animals.
Volunteers continue their efforts to rescue injured animals and assist residents affected by a fire near Omiš, Croatia, despite dangerous conditions and ongoing hazards. The operation, which began on Sunday, involves searching for surviving and injured wildlife while providing aid to displaced individuals. The search and care process will extend into the coming days due to the large number of casualties among animals and the extensive damage caused by the blaze. Volunteers have been traversing the reported area, though they have limited participation due to challenging conditions and the high volume of deceased animals. Injured animals are being captured and transported for veterinary examination, hospitalization, and microchip scanning. Supplies such as food, water, bowls, blankets, treats, and carriers are being gathered to attract frightened animals and facilitate their relocation. Some provisions will remain on secure locations within the fire zone to support both domestic and wild animals. Olga Burić, one of the volunteers working directly with both humans and animals, described the situation as extremely difficult to articulate. She stated, “We have been helping people and animals, and we still are. Unfortunately, a lot has burned down, both structures and animals. Walking is impossible through the burning areas because literally, the shoes are catching fire.” In Borak, a man managed to save five dogs from a burning box, while a woman rescued 30 cats, whom volunteers are currently feeding again. Residents have lost access to electricity and water, and in some heavily damaged homes, breathing is nearly impossible. Burić recounted several instances where individuals were overwhelmed by the sight of the destruction, expressing that they had nothing left but to sit and cry. She added, “The ground is still burning. Literally, after twenty seconds standing in one place, my feet started to feel heat through my tennis shoes.” Authorities from the Croatian Fire Service and Rescue Service (HGSS) have issued warnings to civilians against entering the fire-affected area without prior coordination with emergency services. They emphasized that while they respect the initiative and desire of citizens to help, personal safety must remain a priority. HGSS officials noted that charred trees are unstable and could collapse, and there is a risk of rockslides and soil erosion from the burned terrain. On steep, fire-ravaged slopes, the danger is even greater, and temperatures in certain areas can be dangerously high. Citizens are advised to contact firefighters before attempting to enter the site to ensure safe movement. In coordination with the assistance effort, the Welo Team, a group that launched a website called “Kad zatreba” (When Needed), has joined the response. This platform aims to connect individuals who need help with those who can provide it. Antonio Petrina, a representative of the team, explained that the website was quickly adapted to assist with the fire aftermath, including sections dedicated to animal care. He expressed hope that the platform would improve the organization of resources, ensuring that those needing aid receive appropriate support. Petrina urged citizens to exercise caution when donating funds based on social media posts or messages, emphasizing the importance of verifying the legitimacy of requests before contributing. The scale of the disaster has prompted widespread concern, with reports indicating that numerous animals perished in the flames. The combination of human and animal suffering has drawn attention from local communities and humanitarian organizations alike. Efforts to locate and rescue survivors continue under difficult circumstances, highlighting the resilience and dedication of volunteer groups working tirelessly to mitigate the impact of the tragedy. As the recovery process unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of all involved while addressing the urgent needs of those affected.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.
Become a Supporter
Croatia
