More than 150 firefighters are deployed in Lokva Rogoznica southeast of Split, where strong winds have driven a fast-moving wildfire from pine forests into residential areas, according to the Croatian outlet Danas. At least 1,000 people have been evacuated, 36 individuals are injured, and seven are listed in life-threatening condition.
Evacuations and Impact on Tourists
Norwegian tourist Martin Rikstad and his two children, aged 10 and 17, were among those forced to flee. According to VG, their hotel was rapidly surrounded by flames. Rikstad told Nettavisen that it took only 15 minutes from first spotting distant flames to mandatory evacuation. Local residents utilized their own boats to transport people away from the fire zone before a police boat arrived to continue the evacuation, saving the family as the entire hillside burned down within 20 minutes.
The evacuations moved through multiple stages. An initial reception point at an indoor sports hall in the nearby town of Omis, reported by broadcaster HRT, soon became unsafe as the fire shifted overnight. Rikstad and his children were moved onward to Split, where they sheltered in a local sports hall. TV footage broadcast by HRT shows high flames near local homes and extensive property damage across the region.
Did you know?
Insurance providers such as Gjensidige have activated emergency response protocols for customers affected by the wildfires, assisting with temporary housing and necessary extra expenses for travelers forced to leave their luggage behind, according to a company press release.
Emergency Response and Weather Conditions
Firefighting crews face severe challenges due to persistent drought and high winds along the Adriatic coast. According to official reports, reinforcements have been mobilized from other parts of the country, and four firefighting aircraft remain on standby. Earlier in the day, aviation assets successfully contained a separate major forest fire on the island of Brac, located offshore from Split.
For stranded travelers like Rikstad, logistics remain a hurdle. Having lost their passports and luggage in the presumed destruction of their hotel, the family plans to board a scheduled flight out of Split to Norway, relying on Schengen travel rules or emergency travel documents to cross borders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people have been injured in the Lokva Rogoznica wildfire?
According to the Croatian outlet Danas, 36 people have sustained injuries, with seven listed in life-threatening condition.
How many evacuations have taken place?
At least 1,000 individuals, including local residents and tourists, have been evacuated from threatened residential areas near Split.
What resources are fighting the fires?
More than 150 firefighters are deployed on the ground, backed by reinforcements from other regions and four firefighting aircraft on standby, following a similar operation on the island of Brac.
What should affected tourists do regarding insurance?
According to Tobias Kvalvik, communications manager at Gjensidige, affected customers should follow local evacuation orders, keep receipts for extra expenses, and contact their insurer for help with temporary accommodation and necessary out-of-pocket costs.