Forest fire in Croatian Dalmatia triggers mass tourist evacuation
On Thursday, July 18th, a forest fire broke out in the vicinity of Trogir, about 12 miles from Split. According to local media reports, the fire threatened residential buildings and nearby tourists who evacuated from the scene.
All firefighting brigades from this part of Dalmatia were involved in extinguishing the fire, which broke out Thursday evening near the Medena hotel, reported the daily "Jutarnji list".
Fire in the vicinity of Trogir
130 firefighters were deployed to tackle the fire, supported by three firefighting planes. About 40 fire engines arrived at the scene.
The flames reached residential buildings and a tourist complex. Approximately 65 feet from the buildings, the fire was halted at 19:00 GMT. However, tourists began to leave the nearby hotels and residences in large numbers that evening, as reported by the daily "Slobodna Dalmacija".
During the night, the local fire brigade assured that although the fire was still burning, it was under control. Additional police units were sent to the scene to direct traffic and allow free passage for firefighters, reported the television station HRT.
On the morning of Friday, 19th July, it was reported that the fire had still not been extinguished. Throughout the night, 68 firefighters and 21 vehicles remained on the scene. The situation is still under control, and firefighting actions will continue today, according to the local fire brigade DVD Trogir.
Fire brigade commander Slavko Tucaković informed that last night, the fire threatened residential buildings, but the rapid intervention of firefighters prevented it from spreading. At the last moment, disaster was averted.
Media emphasise that the fire near the Medena hotel near Trogir is the most dangerous in Dalmatia this year, and all available fire brigades from Trogir to Omiš were involved in its extinguishing.
