A fast-moving wildfire driven by strong winds swept through coastal villages near Omiš, Croatia, overnight, injuring at least 36 people, seven of whom remain in life-threatening condition, and forcing the evacuation of roughly 1,000 residents and tourists. The blaze destroyed homes and vehicles as it spread from pine forests into residential areas of Lokva Rogoznica, southeast of Split.
Nearly 300 firefighters supported by four water-dropping aircraft battled the flames through the night, while a navy vessel and police boats assisted with seaside evacuations. A sports hall in Omiš was converted into an emergency shelter, and a stretch of coastal highway was closed. Fire chief Slavko Tucaković described it as one of the worst fires in Croatia's history, having scorched up to 1,000 hectares.
Croatia is enduring a prolonged heatwave with record Adriatic temperatures. Prime Minister Andrej Plenković was expected to visit the area. Year-to-date, vegetation fires have burned nearly 10,000 hectares — a 75% increase over 2025.