VIDEO: Terrifying evacuation scenes from Omiš as wildfire advances

Panic gripped Omiš as a fierce wildfire, fanned by strong winds, rapidly advanced on the coastal Croatian town. Residents described scenes of chaos, with "everyone fleeing" and fearing they would be next to evacuate. "This is from my balcony, I think we are next for evacuation," one reader reported, sending footage of the encroaching flames. The fire, which began Thursday evening in Lokva Rogoznica, consumed grass, low vegetation, and pine forests. The urgency of the situation prompted the evacuation of residents and tourists from threatened areas. The town center itself was tense, according to eyewitnesses. More than a hundred firefighters, supported by dozens of vehicles, are on the front lines. Additional forces have been dispatched from across Dalmatia, and firefighters from continental Croatia are on standby. The commander of the firefighting service, Slavko Tucaković, stated that the primary goal is to halt the fire's spread toward Omiš. He did not rule out requesting military assistance. Four water-dropping aircraft are expected to join the efforts at first light. An emergency reception center has been established in Omiš's Ribnjak sports hall, providing shelter, water, and food for those displaced. The main Adriatic highway through Lokva Rogoznica has been closed, with traffic rerouted. The situation remains uncertain, with the night expected to be critical.

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Everyone is fleeing. This is from my balcony, I think we are next for evacuation.