A large wildfire near the Croatian coastal town of Omiš has forced the evacuation of approximately 1,200 residents and tourists overnight, leaving an unspecified number injured.

The blaze, situated about 25 kilometres south-east of Split, intensified dramatically from Thursday evening into Friday morning as strong winds drove the flames towards the popular Adriatic resort.

Fire crews battled through the night as the fire spread rapidly, threatening properties and infrastructure in the area. The high winds complicated efforts to contain the fast-moving front.

Strong winds fuelled a large wildfire near Omiš, Croatia, overnight, leading to mass evacuations and disrupting holiday travel.

Many of those displaced were holidaymakers enjoying the summer season along the Dalmatian coast, alongside local residents. The disruption comes at the height of the tourist season, a critical period for Croatia's economy.

Officials confirmed injuries among residents, though specific figures were not immediately available. Emergency services coordinated the overnight evacuations to ensure public safety as the fire encroached on populated zones.

Evacuations and Holiday Disruption

The immediate focus for authorities remains on containing the wildfire and supporting those affected. Evacuation centres have been established for the displaced individuals, providing temporary shelter.

Croatia, particularly its coastal regions, is susceptible to wildfires during the hot, dry summer months. Strong winds, known locally as bura or jugo, can often exacerbate these conditions, spreading fires rapidly across dry Mediterranean scrubland and pine forests.

Croatia Omiš wildfire smoke coast

Previous years have seen significant outbreaks across the region, often requiring international assistance and leading to substantial damage to natural landscapes and infrastructure.

Ongoing Battle Against Flames

As daylight broke, the scale of the challenge became clearer, with firefighters continuing their intensive efforts to bring the blaze under control. Aircraft are expected to join the operation to drop water once conditions allow and visibility improves.

The disruption to travel and local services is expected to persist as emergency response teams work to secure the area and assess the full extent of the damage. Further updates on the injured and the progress of the firefighting efforts are anticipated throughout the day.