PHOTOS: Smoke blankets Dalmatia as civil protection officials issue warning

Smoke and the smell of burning spread across much of Dalmatia from a large fire in neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina. On Sunday, authorities requested air-quality testing across Split-Dalmatia County, including its islands.

The first measurements found elevated concentrations of airborne particles on both the mainland and the islands. Nenad Periš of the air-quality testing department at the Split Institute of Public Health said current levels were several times higher than usual for the area, particularly for PM2.5 and PM10 particles.

Experts said smaller particles can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, reaching the lung alveoli, while larger particles can irritate the lining of the throat, mouth and eyes. The current assessment said the levels should not pose a serious health risk to most healthy people, but warned vulnerable groups to take precautions.

“Older people, young children, people suffering from respiratory diseases and people with allergies should protect themselves by not going outside or by wearing masks if they do,” Periš told Dalmacija Danas. Air quality will continue to be monitored, and readings may change with weather conditions and the movement of air masses.

Croatia’s civil protection headquarters said the smoke and burning smell across the wider Dalmatian area came from the fire in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Croatian government approved a decision allowing members of the armed forces to cross the border and provide humanitarian assistance in fighting the fire in the municipality of Prozor-Rama.

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Older people, young children, people suffering from respiratory diseases and people with allergies should protect themselves by not going outside or by wearing masks if they do.