VIDEO: Major wildfire breaks out on Korčula Island

(Screenshot/DVD Smokvica)

11 July 2026 – A large wildfire has broken out on Saturday afternoon in the area between Smokvica and Blato on the Croatian island of Korčula, prompting a major firefighting response involving crews from across the island and aerial firefighting aircraft.

The fire started in the Kapja area, where difficult terrain has made access challenging for ground teams.

Due to the location of the blaze, assistance from the air was requested, with Canadair firefighting aircraft deployed to support efforts to contain the flames.

Croatia’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that two Canadair CL-415 aircraft were sent to the fire site near Blato. An Air Tractor AT-802 aircraft, which had previously been engaged in fire surveillance, was also redirected to assist with firefighting operations.

The Croatian Firefighting Association (HVZ) said it received a report of an open-area fire near Blato at 14:54.

All available firefighting forces from the island have been mobilised, while additional aerial support was requested, Index.hr said.

“All firefighting forces from the island of Korčula have been deployed, and from the mainland we have activated Pelješac firefighters from Orebić, Kuna, Trpanj and Putnikovići, as well as units from Metković, Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik Coast, Župa dubrovačka and Konavle,” said Dubrovnik-Neretva Fire Chief Stjepan Simović.

Three Canadian firefighters are also intervening, and they will work as hard as they can until nightfall. “We have a long night ahead of us,” he stressed.

Strong winds have been creating further difficulties for firefighters, spreading the flames and making containment efforts more challenging.

Due to the ongoing intervention, the state road connecting Korčula and Vela Luka has been closed.

Authorities have urged residents and visitors to avoid the affected area and follow instructions from emergency services.

At present, there are no reports of injuries or threatened residential buildings. Firefighting teams remain on the scene working to bring the blaze under control.

**UPDATE The fire has been now controlled.