Hundreds evacuated as wildfire threatens Croatian island resort

Hundreds of people have been evacuated after a wildfire spread towards tourist accommodation and residential areas on the Croatian island of Brač.

The fire, which broke out near Ložišće on 10 September, intensified on 12 September as strong bora winds pushed the blaze towards Milna and the bays of Duboka and Osibova, threatening buildings at the Gava resort.

Croatia’s firefighting association said residents and tourists from the resort area were moved to safety by sea, using vessels operated by the police, Croatian Navy, and harbour authorities, as well as private boats.

Croatian public broadcaster HRT reported that around 700 people were evacuated as firefighters worked to prevent the flames reaching homes and tourist accommodation around Milna.

Gava Waterman Milna Resort & Cottages separately confirmed that 400 guests and employees had been evacuated from the property. The resort said it was helping affected guests arrange alternative accommodation on Brač or return home.

 Two people were sent to KBC Split for further medical assessment during the emergency, according to the Croatian Firefighting Association. Most of the threatened buildings were successfully defended, although auxiliary structures at the Gava resort were affected.

At the height of the response, 223 firefighters and 69 vehicles were deployed overnight, while seven firefighting aircraft – four Canadair CL-415s and three Air Tractors – supported operations on 12 September.

Authorities warned tourists and residents near the affected area to avoid roads and locations impacted by the fire and to follow instructions from emergency services.

The incident highlights the potential for wildfires to generate significant disruption for travellers in Mediterranean destinations, including emergency evacuation, alternative accommodation, and changes to onward travel arrangements.