Massive Wildfires Ravage Croatia's Dalmacia Coast, Evacuations Ordered

A series of forest fires broke out across the Dalmacia region of Croatia after a severe thunderstorm with strong winds, lightning and hail. The flames ignited simultaneously on several islands and coastal areas, including the popular tourist destination of Čiovo island, where they spread rapidly over more than 100 hectares. Around 150 firefighters from nearby cities such as Trogir, Split, Kaštela, Solin and Omiš, plus additional crews from Korčula, Lovreć, Vignje and other communities, were deployed to contain the blazes.

The fires threatened residential buildings and temporary structures, prompting authorities to evacuate tourists and locals from the most endangered zones. Aerial support and a helicopter were eventually used to aid the ground crews. By late evening the flames had been brought under control, preventing further spread to inhabited areas, though roughly a hundred hectares of forest and some economic facilities were destroyed.