Image: Wildfire on Brač island in Croatia Illustration/CU
A wildfire on Brač that broke out overnight near Pučišća has mobilised dozens of firefighters and four Canadair aircraft, while another large fire is being fought near Škrljevo in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County.
Update: Brač wildfire brought under control
The large wildfire on Brač has been brought under control after burning more than 250 hectares of dense pine forest, low vegetation and grass, HRT reports.
More than 100 firefighters were involved in the operation, supported by two Canadair aircraft and two Air Tractors. The fire threatened homes during the night, but firefighters managed to protect them.
Strong bora winds continued to complicate efforts during the day, although conditions gradually improved with the help of aerial firefighting crews.
Škrljevo wildfire under control
The wildfire near Škrljevo, close to Rijeka, has been brought under control after burning around 30 hectares of grass and low vegetation, HRT reports.
A total of 101 firefighters with 34 vehicles were involved in the response. An Air Tractor also dropped water twice, but strong bora winds prevented further flights.
Several smaller hotspots remain, and around 20 firefighters are expected to monitor the burned area overnight.
Earlier report: Wildfire on Brač spreads rapidly in strong winds
The Split-Dalmatia County fire operations centre received a report of the wildfire on Brač near Pučišća at 2:30 a.m. on August 13.
The fire is burning grass, low vegetation and forest on difficult-to-access terrain. The affected area has not yet been estimated.
A total of 65 firefighters with 20 vehicles from the Brač operational area and the Split intervention unit are involved in the firefighting operation. Four Canadair CL-415 aircraft have also been deployed.
Additional support consisting of 47 firefighters and 10 vehicles has been sent from the mainland.
According to Chief Fire Commander Slavko Tucaković, the wildfire on Brač spread rapidly due to strong winds. Firefighters on the ground successfully prevented the flames from reaching houses, while aerial firefighting operations began in the morning.
More than 100 firefighters battling blaze near Škrljevo
Another wildfire broke out at around 1 a.m. near Škrljevo in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County.
A total of 101 firefighters with 30 vehicles from three professional fire brigades and 12 volunteer fire departments are currently involved in the operation.
One Air Tractor firefighting aircraft has also been deployed. According to the Croatian Firefighting Association (HVZ), around 30 hectares of grass and low vegetation have burned.
Firefighters urge caution due to weather conditions
The Croatian Firefighting Association has warned that current weather conditions are favourable for the outbreak and spread of wildfires and has urged residents and visitors to exercise particular caution.
The warning comes as crews continue battling the wildfire on Brač and the fire near Škrljevo.
Lighting fires outdoors is strictly prohibited. Anyone who sees a fire or smoke should immediately call firefighters on 193.
