A major fire has broken out on the island of Brač, engulfing significant areas of vegetation. According to official information, the fire has destroyed around 1,500 hectares of grass, low shrubbery, maquis, and forest. However, estimates from the ground suggest significantly larger scales of damage, indicating that over 3,000 hectares of pine forest have been affected.
The area towards Blace was one of the key focal points in the fight against the fire. Firefighters are intensively battling the spread of the flames, but their work is significantly hampered by strong and variable winds. The fire continues to spread to new areas, requiring constant adjustment of suppression tactics.
The Croatian Firefighters Association (HVZ) announced that 176 firefighters with 53 fire engines are currently participating in the intervention. Suppression efforts involve forces from the Split-Dalmatia County, the Split Fire Station, as well as firefighters from Dubrovnik and Šibenik. Assistance is also provided by Firefighting forces from the Šibenik-Knin and Zadar Counties.
In addition to the island itself, reinforced forces are stationed on Vučevica, where 44 firefighters with 16 fire engines from the Istria, Primorje-Gorski Kotar, and Lika-Senj Counties are on standby. This precautionary measure was taken to prevent the spread of the fire to new areas.
Three AirTractor FireBoss aircraft and one Canadair CL 415 are participating in aerial firefighting. Additionally, three Canadair CL 415s are refuelling, with two stationed on Brač and one in Zadar, ready for further intervention.
Due to the danger of fire spread, people from the Sardine fish farm in Maslinova Bay have been evacuated. Firefighting forces continue intensive work to contain the fire and protect remaining structures and forest areas.
