Omiš wildfire: Split opens shelter as nearly 1,000 evacuated

Gripe (Photo: Grad Split)

OMIŠ, 14 August 2026 – The situation following a major wildfire near Omiš has eased, after the blaze forced the evacuation of around 1,000 residents and tourists and burned between 900 and 1,000 hectares of land.

The fire broke out near Lokva Rogoznica, south-east of Omiš, on Thursday evening and spread rapidly towards the coastal town overnight, threatening homes and other buildings.

According to the latest information, 19 people were injured during the fire. The extent of property and other damage has not yet been assessed.

As the fire spread, residents and visitors from affected areas were evacuated and transported to safety, with a large number taken to nearby Split during the early hours of Friday.

The City of Split opened an emergency reception centre at the Gripe Sports Centre, where more than 300 evacuated people are currently being accommodated.

Most are foreign nationals, including visitors from the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland, with Polish tourists making up the largest group.

Food, medical assistance and other essential supplies have been provided at the centre, while police and other emergency services remain present to assist those affected.

The City of Split has expressed its support for residents of Omiš and surrounding areas and thanked firefighters, police, medical teams and other emergency personnel involved in the response.

Authorities have asked members of the public wishing to donate food or other supplies not to bring them directly to Gripe, but instead to deliver donations through their local city district offices.

The wildfire response continues, while authorities assess the situation and begin determining the extent of the damage.

More details about the fire HERE