Image: Wildfire in Lokva Rogoznica/Vatrogasci 193 Facebook
A wildfire in Lokva Rogoznica, on the Adriatic coast between Omiš and Makarska, broke out at around 8:21 pm on Thursday evening, forcing authorities to close part of the coastal road to traffic.
The fire started near the Adriatic Highway and the road is currently closed between Stanići on the Split side and Medići on the Makarska side.
Update: D8 coastal road reopens to traffic
The D8 coastal road reopened to all traffic at 1:22 pm on August 14, Split-Dalmatia Police confirmed.
“We are asking drivers currently travelling on the D8, particularly on the section between Omiš and Lokva Rogoznica, to exercise extra caution, as emergency services remain on the ground carrying out work related to the fire,” Split-Dalmatia Police said.
Police find body in wildfire-affected area
Split-Dalmatia Police Department reported that a body had been found in the area affected by the wildfire in Lokva Rogoznica.
“While inspecting the burned area at around 1:30 pm, police officers found a body. An investigation will be carried out at the scene under the direction of the competent state prosecutor, with police assistance,” police said.
Update August 14, 2026: “One of the most severe wildfires in Croatia’s history”
The situation has eased somewhat this morning after an extremely difficult night, but a major firefighting operation continues from Lokva Rogoznica towards Omiš.
According to the Croatian Firefighting Association (HVZ), 286 firefighters with 93 vehicles are involved in the response to the wildfire in Lokva Rogoznica, with some crews still arriving. Reinforcements have been sent from several counties and the City of Zagreb, while four Canadair CL-415 aircraft were deployed to the fireground at around 6 am.
The fire broke out close to homes and spread rapidly in strong winds. Chief Fire Commander Slavko Tucaković described it as one of the most severe wildfires in Croatia’s history.
Homes damaged and 19 people treated by emergency medical teams
Reports of fire-damaged homes have been received from Ivašnjak, Staro Selo, Pod Vajle, Nemira, Stanići and Medići.
According to information available to HVZ, emergency medical teams treated 19 people. Tucaković later said that two firefighters suffered serious injuries, one with an eye injury and another with a ruptured eardrum.
Numerous homes and vehicles were damaged or destroyed, along with hospitality businesses close to the beaches. Authorities said the full extent of the damage cannot yet be established, although around 30 burned vehicles have so far been recorded.
Tucaković said he had never experienced a fire of such scale and speed during his career, adding that the wildfire in Lokva Rogoznica had already surpassed the scale of the major 2017 fire in the Žrnovnica area.
Evacuation centres opened as residents and tourists leave threatened areas
Residents and tourists were evacuated overnight as flames spread through settlements between Lokva Rogoznica and Omiš.
Reception centres were opened in Omiš, Dugi Rat, Makarska and Split, including the small hall at Gripe. HVZ said 150 people were being accommodated in reception centres at the time of its morning update, while later information indicated that around 1,000 evacuees had been accommodated overall.
Four buses carrying evacuated people were sent from Omiš towards Split, while Civil Protection also dispatched a truck carrying 300 beds and drinking water. Additional accommodation has been prepared in Dugi Rat.
A Croatian Navy landing-assault vessel is on standby in the port of Omiš in case it is needed to transport evacuees.
Around 1,000 hectares affected
The wildfire in Lokva Rogoznica, which spread towards Omiš during the night, is estimated to have affected around 1,000 hectares.
Firefighters spent the night defending homes as strong winds drove the flames rapidly through the area. The evacuation of residents and tourists was successfully carried out, while firefighting crews continue working to secure the affected area and prevent further spread.
A major disaster has been declared for the Omiš and Lokva Rogoznica area. A second meeting of the Split-Dalmatia County emergency headquarters is underway this morning.
Prime Minister arrives in Omiš
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković arrived in Omiš together with ministers Tomo Medved, Davor Božinović, Irena Hrstić and Tonči Glavina.
They joined a meeting with Chief Fire Commander Slavko Tucaković, Split-Dalmatia County Prefect Blaženko Boban, Omiš Mayor Zvonko Močić and representatives of the firefighting service, Civil Protection, police and Split University Hospital.
D8 remains closed, drivers urged to avoid Omiš
Police are asking drivers not to travel towards Omiš because of heavy traffic and ongoing road closures.
Traffic remains closed from Omiš towards Makarska and at Dubci in the direction of Split. Vehicles leaving Omiš are being redirected towards Gata.
Drivers are advised to use alternative routes, including the motorway or County Road 6142 via Naklice, and to follow instructions from police officers on the ground.
Updated August 13, 2026: Several people evacuated as fire damages buildings
The Croatian Firefighting Association (HVZ) issued an update at 11 pm, confirming that several people have been evacuated as the wildfire in Lokva Rogoznica continues to burn.
The fire affected grass, low vegetation and pine forest. Some buildings have also been damaged, while several people were evacuated from the threatened area due to the risk to residents and property.
More than 100 firefighters battling the wildfire
A total of 110 firefighters with 33 vehicles from Split-Dalmatia County are currently battling the fire. Additional crews have been brought in from neighbouring counties, including seven firefighters with two vehicles from Zadar County, three firefighters with one vehicle from Šibenik-Knin County, and eight firefighters with two vehicles from Dubrovnik-Neretva County.
Firefighting units from Koprivnica-Križevci, Krapina-Zagorje and Bjelovar-Bilogora counties have also been placed on standby.
Fire broke out in strong winds near buildings
“The fire broke out in strong winds close to buildings. Firefighters are making every effort to bring it under control, and we have deployed additional forces from the coastal area and placed firefighters from inland counties on standby,” Chief Fire Commander Slavko Tucaković said.
He also urged people to exercise additional caution on the roads due to the road closure.
Earlier report: Coastal road closed as fire spreads near Lokva Rogoznica
Police confirmed that the affected section of the road has been closed to all traffic. Officers are redirecting vehicles at Omiš and Dubci onto alternative routes, while only emergency vehicles and local residents are being allowed through.
Police have asked drivers to follow the instructions of officers on the ground.
The wildfire in Lokva Rogoznica has also prompted a larger police deployment to the area as emergency crews continue working at the scene.
Police ready to assist with evacuation if needed
According to the Split-Dalmatia Police Department, additional police officers and vans have been sent to Lokva Rogoznica because of the intensity of the fire.
Police are there to assist residents if an evacuation becomes necessary and to support firefighters on the ground.
Two police vessels with crews have also been sent towards the area as part of the response to the wildfire in Lokva Rogoznica.
Authorities have not announced an evacuation at this stage, but police are prepared to assist residents if the situation requires it.
