July the 31st, 2024 – The most recent large Dalmatia forest fire now finally appears to be under control owing to the diligent and tireless work of firefighters. The fire split into three separate ones, with forests, cars and houses burning in and around Tučepi.
As Index vijesti/news writes, large fires engulfed areas near Skradin and Smoković yesterday, as part of the first major Dalmatia forest fire of the season. The fire’s so-called line stretched for as far as four kilometres, with the flames licking the forested area all around Biokovo. The fire in the area of Smoković was finally brought under control last night, and in Šibenik-Knin County, firefighters are currently trying to prevent the fire from spreading any further towards Krka National Park.
A huge Dalmatia forest fire also broke out in Gornji Tučepi, more specifically in the area of Čovići, and the situation on the ground is still difficult there. According to the latest information we have, the fire tragically penetrated Biokovo Nature Park and engulfed a nearby ranch. Strong detonations could also be heard from Gornji Tučepi. Canadairs arrived at the scene in the morning, dousing the flames with huge amounts of water.
237 firefighters are still present at the scene fighting the blaze, and it seems as if the majority of it is now under control. In addition to 237 firefighters from across Split-Dalmatia County, there are also 55 fire engines on the ground. Residents spent the whole night on the ground with the firefighters pouring water on their houses, cars and fearing for their property as the flames engulfed cars and buildings.
According to the order of the fire chief, additional fire brigades were also sent to the area to help tackle the violent flames. The extraordinary deployment of the Karlovac County Fire Brigade was also dispatched to the area of Dubravica, and the extraordinary deployment of the Zagreb Fire Brigade was also dispatched down to Split-Dalmatia County to battle the fire.
Just over an hour ago, parts of the Makarska Riviera were left without any electricity. The flames growing in the Skradin hinterland were tackled by 110 firefighters and 38 vehicles, as well as by two canadairs from the sky. Exhausted firefighters were seen sleeping on the roads above the fire, taking breaks from their constant battle to stop the flames from engulfing more vegetation, being stoked, and burning more properties.
Just two hours ago, the aforementioned four kilometre fire line was as long as 18 kilometres, with hundred of hectares of forest having been burned.