A major wildfire has swept through the Croatian Dalmatian coast near Omiš, forcing around 1,000 residents and tourists to evacuate overnight – including Hungarian holidaymakers.

The blaze broke out on Thursday evening near Lokva Rogoznica, south of Omiš, and rapidly spread through dry vegetation and pine forest amid strong and changing winds. The flames reached residential areas and parts of Omiš, destroying homes, cars and other property.

The situation was described by Croatia’s national fire chief as one of the most serious wildfires in the country’s history.

Dozens injured as flames approach Omiš

The fire started at around 8.20 PM on Thursday near the main coastal road. Strong winds quickly pushed the flames through the dry vegetation and forest, eventually bringing the fire into the Omiš area.

According to the latest information from Split hospital, 36 people required medical treatment, with 14 remaining in hospital. Seven of those injured were in life-threatening condition, while most of the casualties suffered burns or smoke inhalation.

The fire also caused significant damage to property as flames reached residential buildings and vehicles.

The rapidly changing wind has made the firefighters’ work particularly difficult, with the flames spreading in different directions. Some parts of Omiš were also left without electricity overnight.

Nearly 300 firefighters battle the blaze

By Friday morning, 286 firefighters and 93 vehicles were involved in the firefighting operation. Crews were sent from several Croatian counties and Zagreb to reinforce local teams.

Four Canadair CL-415 firefighting aircraft were also deployed in the early hours of Friday, while a Croatian Navy vessel was placed on standby in case a sea evacuation became necessary.

Emergency accommodation centres were opened in Omiš, Dugi Rat, Makarska and Split. Around 1,000 people spent the night at the sports hall in Omiš, while people from the most endangered areas were evacuated both by road and by boat.

The main coastal road, the Jadranska Magistrala, was closed on the affected section, as was part of the Omiš bypass towards Makarska. The evacuations and road closures caused major traffic congestion in the town.

Hungarian tourists among those forced to flee

The wildfire has also affected Hungarian holidaymakers staying in the area. Hungary’s Foreign Ministry said that Hungarian nationals known to the consular service and those who had contacted the service were currently safe. Hungarian officials reportedly liaised directly with Croatian authorities overnight to help Hungarian citizens leave the affected areas safely.

Foreign Minister Anita Orbán said the situation was being monitored continuously and that the Hungarian consular service remained in contact with affected Hungarian citizens and local authorities.

Hungarians currently in the area are being urged to follow instructions from Croatian authorities and contact the Hungarian Consular Service immediately if necessary.

The ministry’s 24-hour consular emergency number is +36 80 36 80 36.

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Fire continues to threaten the area

The blaze has been particularly difficult to contain because of the strong, shifting winds and extremely dry conditions. Reuters also reported that the fire forced hundreds to evacuate and that emergency services provided shelter for around 1,000 people.

Authorities continue to work to prevent the flames from spreading further around Omiš and the surrounding settlements. For tourists still in the region, the authorities’ evacuation instructions should be followed without delay, particularly as the direction and intensity of the fire can change rapidly.