Croatia ravaged by wildfires: Tourists forced to flee hotels
Rapidly spreading wildfires in Croatia’s Split region reached residential areas, forcing panicked tourists to escape from hotels and rented apartments on the night of Tuesday, 27 August, to Wednesday, 28 August.
Unfortunately, we now live in a time when annual reports of fires in Europe no longer come as a surprise. Climate change, high temperatures, and reduced rainfall are responsible for most of these incidents. The lack of precipitation has left countries such as Greece, Spain, and Croatia in a permanent drought, making igniting fires much easier. Just one spark is enough to set off a blaze that can devastate not only forests but also urban areas. This is precisely what is happening near the Croatian city of Split.
Croatian firefighters are facing an overwhelming challenge. During the night of Tuesday, 27 August, into Wednesday, 28 August, a massive fire broke out in the village of Žrnovnica, located 15 km from Split. Local media report that the situation remains extremely difficult, with firefighters striving to contain the rapidly spreading inferno. Tourists, who had been enjoying their holidays, were forced to flee as the flames crept on buildings, causing panicked travellers to evacuate hotels and other accommodations.
Wildfires ravage Croatia
"The fire in the village of Žrnovnica remains active and continues spreading in the surrounding area. Approximately 160 firefighters are currently battling the blaze, facing what is expected to be a very long night. The situation is challenging, with firefighters working to save homes one by one. However, air support has ceased for the night, and we are urging civilians to seek shelter, as they are not in a position to assist us at this time," explained the Croatian fire service spokesperson on Nova TV.
Zadar, Split, and Šibenik firefighters have been dispatched to combat the fire. Local media report that the smell of burning can be detected several kilometres away from the centre of the blaze. Due to the severity of the situation, authorities have closed the district road between Žrnovnica and the village of Tugare to prevent any potential danger to the public.
It has been confirmed that one firefighter has been injured while battling the flames. However, there is no information regarding his condition or whether his life is at risk.
Source: radiozet.pl
