Thousands evacuated near Omiš as wildfire subsides

Omiš, Croatia – A massive wildfire that raged through the night has significantly subsided, allowing thousands of evacuated residents to begin returning home. The fire, described as "catastrophic" by Omiš Mayor Zvonko Močić, threatened homes and spread rapidly through pine forests before firefighters brought it under control.

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There were some people on the beach, and then numerous volunteers, as well as the Harbor Master's Office and the police, participated in the evacuation.

Močić reported that "almost no open flames remain," but the "scorched earth still exists" and the fire is not officially extinguished. He praised the "superhuman efforts" of firefighters who defended houses, stating the town fared better than expected despite the vast scale of the blaze. "There are no small damages here," he noted.

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It was truly fast and fierce, fiery in every way, but now the fire is pretty much under control.

Throughout the night, a sports hall served as a shelter for thousands of displaced people, with many transferred to Split and Dugi Rat. The evacuation, involving police, volunteers, and the coast guard, included people on beaches who were transported by boat and police vehicles. "In the terrible chaos, people went by car, and then the intervention police transported people in their vans," Močić said.

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A large part of the houses that we had already written off survived. Firefighters made superhuman efforts.

Damage assessments will begin once the fire is declared out. Močić expressed gratitude for the support received, stating, "Croatia showed itself" in the face of the disaster.

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The sports hall was full all night. We took care of the people and are preparing hot meals. That's several thousand people.