The Omis fire has affected 58 houses, 36 vehicles, 25 boats...

Gorilo je 58 stambenih objekata, 36 vozila, 25 plovila... On Saturday evening, August 15, 2026, a large fire broke out in the area of Omis, Croatia, engulfing 58 residential buildings, two garages, 36 vehicles, 25 boats, two trailers, one motorcycle, and two trucks. The extent of the damage was confirmed by Blaženko Boban, the mayor of Split-Dalmatia, who cited data collected by authorities until 1 p.m. on Saturday. According to Boban, the figures were not yet final, nor had the damages been categorized. He noted that some of the affected structures were only minimally damaged but were still included in the tally. Additional categorization would be necessary, he added, and further investigations were expected. The emergency response efforts were extensive, involving firefighters, police, the Red Cross, emergency services, volunteers, and local business owners who assisted during the incident. Emergency centers set up in the sports hall in Gripe and in Omis were eventually disbanded after residents returned home or found alternative accommodations. Mayor Boban stated that 37 individuals remained in hotels in Tučepi, while others either stayed in their homes or continued their travels as tourists. Firefighters managed to contain the blaze almost entirely, with teams from Elektrodalmacije working to restore electrical power supply. These teams were expected to complete the task by late Sunday or early Monday. The Red Cross continued its operations in Omis, providing food and drinks to both the crews restoring utilities and residents unable to prepare meals themselves. Mayor Boban clarified that a natural disaster declaration had not been issued, instead opting for a major accident designation. This decision allowed relevant institutions to engage all necessary municipal companies and other services. Regarding the cause of the fire, Boban emphasized that the results of police inquiries were still pending and that there was no indication of arson. However, he expressed concern over the severity of penalties for intentionally setting fires, citing the danger posed to lives and property. One person died in the fire, while several others suffered severe burns and were hospitalized in Split and Zagreb. Mayor Boban extended his condolences to the family of the deceased and wished a swift recovery for the injured. His remarks underscored the gravity of the situation and the ongoing support being provided to affected communities. Local businesses and volunteers played a crucial role in assisting during the crisis, contributing resources and manpower to aid in evacuation efforts and provide immediate relief. The coordination among different agencies highlighted the complexity of managing such a large-scale incident, requiring close collaboration between emergency services, local government, and community members. As the situation stabilizes, officials continue to monitor the progress of recovery efforts and assess long-term implications for the region. The incident has raised questions about fire safety protocols and the need for stricter measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. With the restoration of essential services underway, the focus now shifts toward rebuilding and supporting the affected population.