Wildfire Strikes Croatian Coast, Forcing Thousands Evacuated

Sun Sep 06 2026 02:04:40 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Thousands evacuated and dozens injured in a blaze that scorched 1,000 hectares on Croatia’s coast. Over one death confirmed as the wildfire spreads across tourist towns.

A fierce wildfire tore through Croatia’s Adriatic coast, leaving at least one person dead and 40 injured. The fire, which erupted near Lokva Rogoznica, raged toward the tourist town of Omis, searing 1,000 hectares in four hours. Roughly 1,200 residents and tourists were displaced, with 10 people in intensive care. Firefighters struggled against gale‑force winds, while the Prime Minister praised the emergency crews amid continuing evacuations.

Wildfire Strikes Croatian Coast, Forcing Thousands Evacuated

At least one person has died and around 40 others suffered injuries after a severe fire engulfed coastal villages and the tourist town of Omis on Thursday night and Friday morning.

Rapid Spread and Massive Damage

The blaze started near Lokva Rogoznica and quickly spread toward Omis, five kilometres away. Firefighters reported that the storm burned “everything in its path” and consumed 1,000 hectares in just four hours.

Some residents fled into the sea, and more than 300 firefighters were deployed overnight. Despite their efforts, the fire’s intensity forced many crews to retreat.

Response and Relief Efforts

Emergency shelters opened along the coast while evacuations continued throughout the night. On Friday, a body was found in a burnt‑out area as rescue teams kept looking for survivors.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic visited the affected region, praising the work of emergency crews and noting the blaze’s “lightning speed” and “gale‑force winds.”

Broader European Context

Croatia’s fire joins a wave of severe wildfires across Europe stoked by extreme summer heat and dry conditions. Similar blazes in Greece, Germany, and the UK highlight the growing threat posed by climate‑driven wildfire seasons.