Man Arrested for Čiovo Fire; Returned from Night Out, Allegedly Ignited Blaze with Lighter

Authorities have apprehended a man in connection with a fire that erupted on the island of Čiovo near Saldun early Sunday morning. The blaze began around 5:35 a.m., prompting immediate response from police and firefighters after citizens reported seeing flames.

Firefighters successfully extinguished the fire approximately 30 minutes after the initial report, preventing its further spread. Police officers quickly identified a suspect by reviewing surveillance footage. The man was taken into custody about an hour and a half after the incident.

During questioning, it was determined that the suspect, a Croatian citizen, was under the influence of alcohol, with a blood alcohol level of 1.08 g/kg. Investigators believe the man, returning from a night out, used a lighter to set fire to dry grass and wooden pallets, which then ignited the blaze.

The suspect has been arrested and is undergoing a criminal investigation for endangering life and property through a generally dangerous act or means. An on-site investigation is underway to determine all circumstances surrounding the fire's origin.