Raging Wildfires Force Mass Evacuations in Croatia and Greece Resorts

A major forest fire is tearing through the hillsides near Omiš in Croatia, destroying multiple homes and placing many more at immediate risk. The blaze erupted Thursday evening near Lokva Rogoznica and spread rapidly under the influence of strong winds, prolonged drought, and intense heatwave conditions. Nighttime video has shown intense flames engulfing trees and advancing toward residential areas amid thick smoke. Authorities estimate the fire has already burned between 900 and 1,000 hectares while forcing the evacuation of roughly 1,000 to 2,000 residents and tourists during the height of the tourist season.

At the same time, a separate major wildfire broke out on August 13 in Siviri on Greece’s Halkidiki peninsula. Strong winds drove the flames through pine forests toward homes and beaches in both Siviri and Fourka. Hundreds of people, including many holidaymakers, were forced to evacuate by land and sea, with more than 300 rescued by boat. Nearly 150 firefighters, supported by planes and helicopters, worked to contain the blaze after several homes burned and two firefighters sustained injuries.

In Croatia, the fire has already claimed multiple houses and vehicles while prompting the temporary closure of highway sections. Between 19 and 40 people have been injured, with some requiring intensive care. Large-scale firefighting operations involving hundreds of personnel and aircraft continue in both countries as crews remain on high alert for flare-ups. The dual disasters have disrupted peak summer travel and left emergency services stretched thin across the affected coastal regions.