Legendary firefighter and humanitarian dies from injuries sustained in Omiš wildfire

Drago Lelas, a celebrated firefighter and humanitarian known in Omiš, has died from severe injuries sustained during a catastrophic wildfire that swept through the region on August 13. The 79-year-old passed away at the Split Clinical Hospital Center (KBC) after a two-week battle for his life, despite intensive medical care.

Lelas was a prominent figure in the firefighting community, having held leadership positions within the Omiš Volunteer Fire Department (DVD Omiš) for many years and trained firefighters since 1981. His humanitarian spirit was recognized by the Croatian Red Cross in 2008 for 100 blood donations, and he was also a recipient of the City of Omiš Award for lifetime achievement.

His wife also suffered injuries in the fire and received treatment at KBC Split. The couple was reportedly caught in the blaze in Stanići. Lelas is the second person to die as a result of the devastating wildfire, which officially took 14 days to extinguish and burned approximately a thousand hectares of land, including forests, olive groves, orchards, and numerous structures.

The fire, fueled by strong winds, caused an estimated tens of millions of euros in material damage. Around 40 people were injured, with seven sustaining severe injuries. Patients with extensive burns continue to receive intensive care, with their condition remaining critical.

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Despite all the measures of intensive treatment and the efforts of the medical team, the patient born in 1947, who sustained severe injuries in the fire in the Omiš area, died at KBC Split.