Tourists have been evacuated after a wildfire reportedly claimed the life of one person as it ripped through Croatia’s Dalmatian coast.
The flames that engulfed Omiš on Thursday have forced the evacuation of 1,200 people, injured 40 and caused one fatality, according to the news service Reuters.
Around 12,000 tourists are currently holidaying in the area, Croatia’s Tourism and Sport Minister Tonči Glavina said.
TUI, Jet2holidays and easyJet holidays are among the operators that offer package holidays to Omiš.
A TUI spokesperson told Travel Gossip: “Based on the latest information available to us, there are currently no active flames in the area and no hotels or guests are under threat. The nearest hotel we have guests staying in is approximately 5km from the affected area.
“We are aware of two guests at Hotel Plaza Omis and four guests at Hotel Plaza Duce.”
In response to the wildfires, the Croatian government has stepped up support to locals and tourists, including providing 200 hotel rooms to those affected.
In a post on LinkedIn, Tonči said: “We held a session of the Civil Protection Headquarters after the great fire that engulfed Omiš and its surroundings. We express our deep regret for all those affected by this grave tragedy.
“The priority remains the safety of people – our citizens and about 12,000 tourists in the area. So far, in cooperation with the Croatian National Tourist Board, about 200 rooms have been provided for tourists with fires in the affected area, and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and all Government of the Republic of Croatia departments, provides all the necessary assistance, including accommodation, return to their countries and communication with diplomatic missions.
“A big thank you to all firefighters, police, civil protection and everyone who protects people, homes and property with superhuman efforts.”
A wildfire also swept across the Halkidiki peninsula in Greece on Thursday, with more than 200 firefighters, water-bombing planes and a helicopter deployed in response.
Travel Gossip has contacted easyJet holidays and Jet2holidays for comment.
