At least one dead as huge Croatia wildfire forces 1,200 locals and tourists to flee

At least one dead as huge Croatia wildfire forces 1,200 locals and tourists to flee A wildfire that destroyed parts of Omis in Croatia has been described as "one of the worst" fires in the country's history as several European nations continue to suffer devastating wildfires At least one person has died and seven are in a life-threatening condition after a severe wildfire tore through cities on Croatia's coastline. On Thursday evening the wildfire broke out near the village of Lokva Rogoznica and spread quickly towards the nearby tourist town of Omis. It has been described by Croatia's fire chief Slavko Tucakovic as "one of the worst" fires in the country's history. Around 1,200 residents and tourists were evacuated while 42 patients were examined, of whom 14 were hospitalised, ten remain in intensive care units, and seven are in a life-threatening condition and on respirators, the prime minister said. Tucakovic said the firestorm burned through "everything in their path" as officials confirmed flames, fanned by strong winds, engulfed 1,000 hectares in just four hours. More than 300 firefighters were deployed overnight on Thursday, with crews sometimes forced to retreat as the fire advanced. The regional maritime authorities said 194 people, including children, were plucked from the sea and from various boats as they tried to flee the fire. Firefighters put out the blaze by Friday morning but now the country faces the devastating aftermath of the destruction the blaze left behind. Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic Robert Fico has confirmed he is supporting the situation in Croatia. Taking to X he wrote: "A short while ago, I spoke by phone with the Prime Minister of Croatia, Mr Andrej Plenković, and expressed my solidarity with him in connection with the wildfires facing this hospitable and warm-hearted country. "I also offered assistance within the limits of our capabilities. The Croatian Prime Minister informed me about the situation near the town of Omiš and the measures that have been taken. The relevant Croatian authorities and emergency services have the situation under control. Given the large number of Slovak tourists currently in Croatia, I also personally spoke with our Ambassador to Croatia, Ms Hana Kováčová. "So far, 30 Slovak tourists have contacted our Embassy in Zagreb and the Crisis Centre of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic. We have no reports of any Slovak citizens being injured, although damage to their property cannot be ruled out" Croatia's Minister of Environmental Protection and Green Transition said: "I express my condolences to the family for the lost life and to all those affected by the catastrophic fire in Dalmatia. I thank the firefighters, members of the civil protection system, and volunteers who have once again demonstrated their knowledge, skills, courage, and solidarity." The Foreign Office has yet to issue any travel warnings for Brits planning a trip to Croatia.