Wildfire forces evacuation of 1,000 in Croatian coastal town

A major wildfire driven by strong winds swept through the Croatian tourist town of Omis overnight, forcing the evacuation of about 1,000 people and injuring dozens, according to fire and health officials. The blaze, which began on Thursday evening, destroyed homes and vehicles and turned the night sky red over the scenic Dalmatian coast town.

The fire broke out at approximately 8:20 p.m. on Thursday near Lokva Rogoznica, south of Omis. Strong, shifting winds rapidly pushed flames through dry pine forests and vegetation, bringing the fire into residential areas of Omis. The fire burned over 2,470 acres, with flames reaching the sea and prompting some evacuations by boat.

Emergency shelters were opened in several towns along the coast from Omis to Split. About 1,000 people spent the night in temporary accommodation, including a sports hall in Omis. The main coastal highway, the Jadranska Magistrala, was closed on the affected section, causing major traffic congestion.

Of the 36 people treated by ambulance services in the city of Split, about 15.5 miles north of Omis, 14 were hospitalized. Seven of those injured were reported to be in life-threatening condition, with most casualties...