Croatian Prefect Defends Handling of Omiš Wildfire Amidst Political Accusations

Splitsko-dalmatinski County Prefect Blaženko Boban has rejected calls for his resignation following a wildfire in Omiš, asserting that the decision to activate the Early Warning and Crisis Management System (SRUUK) rests with operational services, not the prefect himself. The demand for his resignation came from Marijana Puljak, a Centar party representative, who accused Boban of a critical failure in crisis management for not requesting the SRUUK activation during the fire.

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Before one starts pointing fingers and giving lessons, it would be good to at least know how the system works. The decision to activate SRUUK is not made by the prefect, but rather, depending on the situation and assessment on the ground, by the competent expert operational services.

Boban strongly refuted Puljak's claims, characterizing them as an attempt to exploit the tragedy for political gain. "Unfortunately, nothing new from Marijana, we are again seeing the same pattern – scavenging over misfortune and trying to collect cheap political points on human suffering," Boban wrote on Facebook. He contrasted Puljak's criticism with the actions of those on the ground, stating, "While some were extinguishing the fire, saving people and property, and making difficult decisions in the field, others today, after everything, are 'lecturing' from a safe distance about how everything should have been done."

Puljak had pointed to the SRUUK activation in Primošten, where residents and tourists received multilingual instructions, as a benchmark. She argued that a similar alert was not issued during the Omiš fire. Boban questioned the wisdom of such an alert in the Omiš situation, given the specific terrain and the potential for panic or traffic chaos that could hinder emergency services. He emphasized his firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by the first responders.

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Unfortunately, nothing new from Marijana, we are again seeing the same pattern – scavenging over misfortune and trying to collect cheap political points on human suffering.

Boban expressed gratitude to the emergency services, particularly the firefighters, for their efforts. He stressed that they deserve respect and thanks, not belated criticism from those who did not bear the responsibility. His thoughts, he stated, were with the injured and those fighting for their lives. The exchange highlights a political dispute over crisis management protocols amidst a natural disaster.

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While some were extinguishing the fire, saving people and property and making difficult decisions in the field, others today, after everything, are 'lecturing' from a safe distance about how everything should have been done.