Large Wildfire Near Omiš Forces Evacuations

The news in Croatian

1. požar  (m.)
   Vatra koja se nekontrolirano širi i uzrokuje štetu ili opasnost. ↩︎
2. izbiti
   Odnosi se na naglo pojavljivanje ili početak nečega, najčešće problema ili sukoba. ↩︎
3. vatrogasac  (m.)
   Osoba čiji je posao gasiti požare i spašavati ljude u opasnim situacijama. ↩︎
4. izgorjeti
   Biti uništen vatrom ili visokim temperaturama. ↩︎
5. ozlijediti
   Zadati ili zadobiti tjelesnu povredu. ↩︎
6. sumnjati
   Biti nesiguran ili ne vjerovati da je nešto istinito ili ispravno. ↩︎

Translation

Text comprehension

Question 1: How many firefighters are working to put out the fire near Omiš?

Question 2: What is the suspected cause of the wildfire near Omiš?

Vocabulary

Croatian	English
požar  (m.)	fire
izbiti	break out
vatrogasac  (m.)	firefighter
izgorjeti	burnt
ozlijediti	injured
sumnjati	suspect

Read the full story

A major wildfire erupted early Saturday morning in the coastal areas of Pisak, Marušići, and Mimica, near the town of Omiš in Croatia. The blaze has attracted significant attention due to its rapid expansion and the substantial efforts by local firefighting units to control it. As of late afternoon, the fire is largely under control, although the threat of rekindling remains a concern due to the persistent wind conditions in the area.

The Croatian Firefighting Association estimates that around 300 hectares of land, including grass, low vegetation, and pine forest, have been affected. Approximately 145 firefighters, supported by five air tankers, have been crucial in protecting local homes despite twenty structures being impacted by the flames. The efforts have managed to ensure no lives were lost, although one firefighter suffered facial burns during the operation.

Local residents were left without electricity after the fire damaged a power distribution pole, and many remain displaced as firefighting crews continue to secure the perimeter. The region’s main coastal road was reopened to traffic after authorities deemed it safe, but residents have been advised to remain cautious.

Evacuations were promptly conducted with the assistance of the Croatian Navy and police forces, who utilized boats for transporting individuals from the most at-risk areas. An emergency shelter has been set up in Omiš, where affected families are receiving aid.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, with many locals suspecting arson. Residents claim to have observed suspicious activity in the preceding days, including a lone individual on a motorbike around the ignition sites. Burned matchsticks have reportedly been found at different points, intensifying these suspicions. The police are calling on the public to report any suspicious activity they may have witnessed.

In addition to the primary fire near Omiš, smaller fires have been reported in areas around Split and Makarska, all of which are currently under control. Despite a challenging day for emergency services, the community, including tourists, has shown remarkable solidarity, with individuals volunteering to assist firefighters and evacuees.

The Croatian government, along with local officials, continues to monitor the situation closely, prepared for immediate intervention should the fires rekindle. As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of residents and preventing further disasters in this picturesque region of Croatia.

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