July 14, 2023 – The biggest Dalmatian fire of the year near Grebastica, is finally under control after a mammoth battle by firefighters, reports, Index.hr.
The fire that broke out on Thursday shortly after 11 a.m. in the area of Grebaštica was put under control during the night, Darko Dukić, commander of the Sibenik-Knin Fire Department, confirmed for Hina. Around 140 firefighters with 51 vehicles were on the ground during the night. In the night from Thursday to Friday, there was a renewal of the flames, but the firefighters managed to contain the new momentum of the fiery element.
Early on Friday morning, two Canadair planes returned to the fire scene. The highway is open to all traffic and electricity is on. “The situation is much better this morning. There is no open flame and efforts are being made to put it out,” confirmed fire chief Darko Dukić.
By Friday morning, the spread of the fire was stopped, there is no open flame, and efforts are being made to put it out, especially in the Šparadić area. “The fire has not yet been extinguished, but it is under supervision,” said Dukić.
Highway open
The Adriatic Highway (Jadranska Magistrala) on that part was reopened to all vehicles as of Thursday evening, and electricity was restored to households and others, which will not be turned off on Friday morning due to the return of fire fighters to the field because there are no transmission lines in the part of the fire area that is being repaired, explained Dukić.
Grass, low vegetation, maquis and pine forests, as well as houses and cars were affected by the fire, and the currently estimated burnt area is about 600 hectares. While extinguishing the fire, four firefighters were injured and received medical care, said the Croatian Firefighters Association.
The fire engulfed houses in Grebaštica, burned several cars, and at one point the fire threatened villages in the hinterland of Primošten.
On Thursday, the flame started from Gornja Grebaštica, carried by strong gusts of wind and reached Šparadić, Kalina and Bila and Jelinjak hill.
In addition to the county fire brigade, there were also members of the State Intervention Unit from the Split-Dalmatia and Zadar counties who extinguished the fire with the help of the air force – three Canadairs and two air tractors. Minister of the Interior Davor Božinović also visited the fire station on Thursday evening, who confirmed that an investigation has begun that should reveal the cause of the fire.
Tucaković: Thank you all for your help
Chief fire chief Slavko Tucaković thanked all firefighters, commanders on the ground, and especially the county fire chief, pilots and technicians of fire fighting aircraft, operators of fire operations centers and logistic support because they proved once again that citizens can be proud and safe with Croatian firefighters.
“Also, I would like to especially thank the Minister of the Interior and the Vice-President of the Government of the Republic of Croatia, Davor Božinović, who visited the firefighters and the entire burned area, the Croatian police, operational forces, citizens, city services and all those who were engaged with the aim of providing assistance to the population, as well as support to the firefighters when it is necessary. I wish the injured firefighters and citizens a speedy recovery,” said chief fire chief Slavko Tucaković.
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