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Croatian authorities have said that around 230 people were evacuated overnight from the Adriatic island of Brač after a wildfire spread across about 3,500 hectares of forest and scrubland.
Strong winds pushed the flames towards homes in the western part of the island, prompting authorities to issue an evacuation warning shortly before midnight for residents and tourists in the town of Milna and nearby settlements.
The national firefighting command said the situation had improved significantly by Sunday morning after a difficult night battling the blaze.
“After an extremely difficult night, the situation… has noticeably improved this morning,” the national firefighting command said.
Four Canadair water-bombing aircraft joined the firefighting operation in the morning, while more than 220 firefighters supported by 69 vehicles worked through the night to contain the fire.
Several boats operated by the harbourmaster’s office and maritime police, along with private vessels, helped evacuate people from areas near Milna threatened by the flames.
Firefighter commander Slavko Tucakovic said the evacuation involved about 230 people.
He said firefighters protected many residential buildings while helping ensure the safety of residents and tourists. Some buildings sustained damage to facades and awnings, while two people suffered minor injuries.
“The firefighters saved a large number of residential buildings and helped secure the safety of tourists and local residents. Some damage was reported to facades and awnings. Two people were slightly injured,” Tucakovic said.
About 3,500 hectares of pine forest and scrubland were destroyed by the fire, according to Croatia’s official Hina news agency, citing a senior firefighter.
Croatia, like other parts of Europe, has experienced an exceptionally hot and dry summer, creating conditions that have increased the risk of wildfires.
Scientists have warned that human-driven climate change is making periods of extreme heat and drought more frequent, intense and prolonged.
