Big wildfire contained on Croatian coast after air and sea response

(Illustration)

PISAK, 21 June 2025 – A wildfire that broke out early Saturday morning near the coastal village of Pisak, located between Omiš and Brela on Croatia’s Adriatic coast, has been brought under control.

The blaze, which spread across the neighbouring areas of Marušići and Mimice, has scorched an estimated 300 hectares of grass, low vegetation, shrubland and pine forest. Firefighters report that the situation significantly improved during the afternoon hours.

Road Reopened After Closure

The Adriatic Highway (DC8) between Omiš and Makarska has been reopened to traffic. The section was closed earlier in the day due to the fire and heavy emergency response activity.

Local police have urged drivers to remain cautious while travelling through the area, adhere to speed limits and follow instructions from officers and firefighters still present on the ground.

Air and Naval Support Deployed

The firefighting effort included five firefighting aircraft—four Canadair CL-415 planes and one Air Tractor AT-802—as well as two navy assault ships and two inflatable boats from the Croatian Navy, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

At around midday, naval units were deployed to assist with the evacuation of residents from the fire-threatened area in Marušići.

In coordination with a Ministry of the Interior vessel and a civilian boat, navy personnel safely transported 25 people from the affected zone.

This marks the first deployment of naval forces from the Croatian Navy’s Special Purpose Firefighting Units in 2025.

Aerial Firefighting in 2025

As of 21 June 2025, the Croatian Firefighting Association has submitted 16 requests for aerial firefighting support. So far this year, these operations have resulted in 167 flights, 34 hours of airtime and the release of 817 tonnes of water over fire-affected areas.

Emergency services remain on high alert as fire season continues along the Dalmatian coast.