Hearing Explosions: Residents Report Loud Noises Amid Security Concerns

A fast-moving wildfire sparked by strong winds near Omiš on the Dalmatian coast forced tourists, including Norwegian families, to evacuate by police boat and rental car, according to reports from VG and local Croatian media outlets. The blaze broke out on Thursday evening near Lokva Rogoznica, destroying multiple homes and threatening surrounding buildings as approximately 150 firefighters battled the flames.

Wildfire Threatens Omiš Coast as Tourists Evacuate

Tourists staying along the Dalmatian coast found themselves in the path of a rapidly spreading wildfire on Thursday evening. According to VG, Norwegian traveler Martin Rikstad and his two children, aged 17 and 10, noticed the smell of smoke while returning to their hotel, Hotel Sagitta, located about a 20-minute drive from Omiš. Hotel staff had already packed their belongings and were fleeing the area. Flames quickly surrounded the property, forcing Rikstad and his children to evacuate in a police boat. They relocated to Omiš center, where Rikstad reported they were safe and watched the fire from a distance.

According to the Croatian newspaper Večernji list, approximately 150 firefighters deployed to the scene to stop the advancing flames. Strong winds fueled the rapid spread of the fire. “The fire is spreading. The wind is not in our favor at all. A number of houses have burned down, and the fire stands right outside the door of many more buildings,” stated Deputy Mayor Ivan Pivčević, as reported by Večernji list. Rikstad noted hearing gas canisters exploding in the background as residential buildings burned, adding that his previous hotel likely succumbed to the flames.

Villa Guests Flee Stanići Amid Heavy Smoke

Another group of Norwegian travelers also faced immediate evacuation threats in the nearby area of Stanići. Martin Engebu Storrøsæter, 20, was vacationing with a family group totaling 11 people who had rented a villa together. “We sat and ate dinner – and saw that there came a lot of smoke. It rained soot down on the terrace,” Storrøsæter told VG. After hearing numerous fire engines and noticing locals fleeing, the group decided to leave.

Using a rental car, the family packed essential documents including passports, money, and phones before driving away. “We began to be scared – and could smell smoke. It was uncomfortable to breathe,” Storrøsæter said, noting that they successfully maintained their composure and relocated to a hotel situated near the sea. Tportal reported that no injuries had been recorded as firefighting crews from multiple counties responded to assist local units.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the wildfire near Omiš?

The wildfire broke out on Thursday evening near Lokva Rogoznica and spread rapidly due to strong winds, according to reports from VG and Večernji list.

Are there any reported injuries from the Dalmatian coast fires?

According to Tportal, there were no initial reports of injuries as of the latest updates.

How are emergency services responding to the blaze?

Approximately 150 firefighters, backed by reinforcements from multiple counties, deployed to contain the flames and protect residential areas, as reported by Večernji list.