Brač wildfire burns over 3,000 hectares in Croatia

Brač wildfire Croatia forest fire Milna evacuation Canadair firefighting Adriatic coast

A major wildfire has been burning on the Croatian island of Brač since Thursday evening, primarily affecting the areas between Ložišća and Bobovišća. The fire, reportedly ignited by a lightning strike, has spread through pine forests, maquis, and low vegetation. While initial estimates placed the burned area at 1,500 hectares, updated reports from firefighting authorities indicate that more than 3,000 hectares have been affected.

Strong and shifting winds, specifically the bura, have significantly complicated containment efforts, causing the fire to move west and southwest toward the Milna municipality. Firefighters have successfully defended several residential buildings and the Blaca monastery from the advancing flames. Although preparations for a maritime evacuation from Bobovišća were made, authorities confirmed that a full evacuation of the Milna area was not ultimately required.

The firefighting operation involves approximately 190 personnel on the ground and the deployment of aerial support, including Canadair CL-415 and Air Tractor aircraft. Additional firefighting units have been dispatched from various Croatian counties, including Dubrovnik, Šibenik, Zadar, and Istria. As of the latest reports, the fire remains active and is not yet under full control, with officials noting that significant rainfall may be necessary for complete suppression.

Entities

Bobovišća · Brač · Croatian Firefighting Association · HGSS · Ložišća · Ložišće · Milna · Nikola Martinić Dragan · Nikola Martinić-Dragan · Slavko Tucaković · Split

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[DISPUTED] More than 40 people required medical help, mostly for respiratory issues or burns. zadarskilist.novilist.hr
[○ 1 SOURCE] The second victim was 79-year-old Drago Lelas, a retired firefighter.
[● 2 SOURCES] The fire burned approximately 1,000 hectares of land. zadarskilist.novilist.hr
[● 5 SOURCES] The first victim was 34-year-old Dragana Antešević, a seasonal worker from Bosnia and Herzegovina. zadarskilist.novilist.hr
[● 2 SOURCES] Material damage is estimated at approximately 110 million euros. zadarskilist.novilist.hr
[DISPUTED] The death toll from the Omiš fire has risen to three. zadarskilist.novilist.hr
[DISPUTED] The fire destroyed 58 houses and residential buildings, 36 vehicles, and 25 vessels. zadarskilist.novilist.hr
[● 5 SOURCES] Two patients remain in intensive care with life-threatening injuries. zadarskilist.novilist.hr
[● 2 SOURCES] Material damage from the Omiš fire is estimated at approximately 110 million euros. zadarskilist.novilist.hr
[● 3 SOURCES] Preparations for a maritime evacuation from Bobovišća to Sutivan were made, though a full evacuation was ultimately not required. www.lika-express.hr
[● 8 SOURCES] Firefighters successfully defended all residential buildings in the Ložišća and Bobovišća areas. www.lika-express.hr · rtv-hb.com · dalmatinskiportal.hr
[● 3 SOURCES] The situation on the Brač fire site improved by Friday morning, though open flames remain in the southern section. www.lika-express.hr