Several of the largest current Croatia wildfires that have affected the Adriatic coast over the past ten days have now been extinguished, offering some relief after a period marked by extreme heat, dry vegetation and multiple large-scale firefighting operations.
According to the Croatian Firefighting Association (HVZ), fires near Metković, Ivan Dolac on the island of Hvar and Vinišće have all been declared extinguished, while the large wildfire on Čiovo remains under control and is being monitored to prevent any flare-ups.
The latest wildfire broke out on Thursday morning between Stanići and Čelina near Omiš. Around 60 firefighters from four local fire brigades responded with 13 vehicles after flames spread through low vegetation and Mediterranean scrub over an area of approximately 100 by 150 metres. The fire was brought under control within an hour and fully extinguished shortly afterwards.
Current Croatia wildfires
Although several major fires have now been extinguished, firefighters continue to monitor former fire sites, particularly on Čiovo, where the wildfire that started on 30 June burned around 116 hectares of grassland, low vegetation and forest. The fire remains localised, meaning it is under control but still requires regular patrols and rehabilitation work.
On Hvar, the wildfire near Ivan Dolac, which broke out on 4 July, destroyed around 200 hectares of grassland, pine forest and Mediterranean vegetation before being officially declared extinguished on 8 July.
The fire near Vinišće, west of Split, also ended on 8 July after burning approximately 10 hectares of vegetation close to residential areas.
Further south, firefighters successfully extinguished the wildfire near Metković after several challenging days in a protected bird reserve near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The blaze eventually affected around 160 hectares of reed beds on the Croatian side before spreading across the border. The difficult marshland terrain severely limited access for ground crews, with Canadair CL-415 aircraft and an Air Tractor playing a key role in bringing the fire under control.
A demanding week for Croatian firefighters
The first week of July has been among the busiest periods of this year’s fire season.
Between the mornings of 8 and 9 July alone, Croatia recorded 93 firefighting interventions, involving 109 fire departments, 404 firefighters and 128 fire engines across the country.
During the previous 24-hour reporting period, another 93 interventions required more than 400 firefighters, 160 fire engines and three firefighting aircraft.
In addition to the larger wildfires, firefighters also responded to several smaller incidents on Brač, near Prgomet and around Omiš. Most of these were extinguished quickly thanks to rapid intervention by local fire brigades before they could spread further.
Fire danger remains despite improving situation
While the current Croatia wildfires are largely under control, authorities stress that the fire season is far from over.
Croatia experienced one of its strongest heatwaves in recent years during the second half of June and the beginning of July, with exceptionally high temperatures, prolonged drought and strong winds creating ideal conditions for wildfires. The same weather pattern also contributed to severe thunderstorms and destructive fires across parts of the country.
Meteorologists are now forecasting another period of very hot weather across southern Europe in the coming days. Although the Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ) has not yet issued new heat warnings for Croatia, fire officials continue to urge residents and visitors to remain cautious.
The Croatian Firefighting Association reminds the public that even a small ignition source can quickly develop into a serious wildfire during hot and dry conditions. Anyone who notices smoke or fire should immediately call the emergency services on 193 or 112.
As the current Croatia wildfires gradually move from active firefighting to monitoring and rehabilitation, emergency services remain on standby, knowing that the summer fire season is only entering its busiest months.
