Croatian emergency services are confronting two major wildfires that broke out in the early hours of August 13, 2026, threatening populated areas near Škrljevo in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County and above Pučišća on the island of Brač. Fueled by strong winds and extremely dry vegetation, both blazes prompted rapid mobilization of ground crews and aerial firefighting aircraft. While firefighters have managed to push the flames away from homes on Brač, containment efforts remain underway at both locations as changing weather conditions continue to challenge crews.
On Brač, the fire was reported at approximately 2:30 a.m. and quickly spread through grass, low shrubbery and pine forest across steep and difficult to access terrain. Regional fire commander Slavko Tucaković said powerful winds accelerated the blaze, but firefighters on the ground managed to prevent the flames from reaching nearby houses. Four Canadair CL-415 water bombers joined the operation at dawn, while another 47 firefighters and 10 vehicles were sent from the mainland to reinforce the 65 local firefighters and 20 vehicles already fighting the fire.
The number of personnel deployed on Brač later rose to more than 100, highlighting the scale of the response required to contain the blaze. Authorities had not determined the full extent of the burned area by midday, with crews continuing to work in challenging terrain and monitor areas where flames could spread rapidly if wind conditions intensified.
Firefighters Battle Second Blaze Near Škrljevo
Meanwhile, a separate wildfire near Škrljevo on the mainland was reported at around 1:00 a.m. The fire brought together 101 firefighters and 30 vehicles from three public fire stations and 12 volunteer departments. An Air Tractor aircraft was also deployed, while approximately 30 hectares of grass and low vegetation had already burned by the time the response was underway.
The simultaneous emergencies reflect a broader pattern of elevated fire activity along Croatia’s Adriatic coast this summer. Prolonged heat, dry vegetation and strong winds have created conditions in which wildfires can spread rapidly, increasing pressure on firefighting services across multiple counties.
Authorities have urged the public to remain extremely vigilant, emphasizing that open fires in natural areas are strictly prohibited. Under the current weather conditions, even a small spark can quickly develop into a serious wildfire, particularly in areas covered by dry grass, shrubs and forest.
With both fires still active, firefighting units are expected to maintain a sustained presence at the two locations. The Croatia wildfires also underscore the continuing challenges faced by emergency services during periods of extreme heat and drought, when rapidly changing wind conditions can make containing fires significantly more difficult.
