New major fire erupts on Pelješac: Church burns, water-bombers redirected, fire approaches homes

A significant wildfire erupted on the Pelješac peninsula in Croatia, engulfing the area near Kune Pelješke and spreading towards Potomje. The blaze, fueled by strong and unpredictable winds, has already caused the destruction of a church located at the local cemetery. Firefighting efforts are underway, with all available resources from the Dubrovačko-neretvanska county engaged.

Adding to the urgency, four water-bombing aircraft (Canadairs) were redirected from a fire in Omiš to Pelješac due to the escalating danger. An Air Tractor fire-fighting plane also joined the operation. The fire's rapid spread and the formation of a "fire mushroom" – a characteristic cloud of hot air, smoke, and gases rising into the atmosphere – indicate the intensity of the situation.

County fire chief Stjepan Simović described the conditions as "very demanding," noting that the wind is exacerbating the fire's spread. He also highlighted the resulting traffic problems, with significant congestion occurring on routes from Orebić and Dubrovnik. While houses are not currently under direct threat, Simović cautioned that this could change rapidly.

Authorities have implemented traffic control measures, halting passage to Potomje and Kuna Pelješka to manage the situation and ensure safety. The fire's proximity to populated areas and the challenging weather conditions present a serious threat to the region.

“

Širi nam se požar, vjetra imamo. Problema imamo. Sad ćemo promet regulirati jer nam se stvaraju ogromni čepovi od strane Orebića i Dubrovnika. Sad trenutno kuće nisu ugrožene, ali to ne isključuje da neće biti ugrožene