The mayor of the Croatian tourist town of Omiš, Zvonko Mocić, has described the wildfire that swept through the area as an “act of terrorism”, saying the circumstances surrounding its outbreak make an accidental cause difficult to believe.
Speaking on Croatian public broadcaster HRT4, Mocić said authorities were working to establish exactly how the fire started, but pointed to what he called suspicious circumstances, including the timing and location of the outbreak.
“There is a lot of speculation. The timing is interesting, as is the location,” Mocić said, adding that the fire began after sunset in an area where there was reportedly little reason for anyone to be present.
He stressed that the police investigation would ultimately determine whether the fire was deliberately started.
More than 200 buildings inspected
The fire has caused extensive damage, prompting authorities to assess not only destroyed properties but also the risk of landslides and flash floods.
Drones have been used to survey the affected terrain, while civil engineering experts have examined the stability of the ground and buildings.
More than 200 buildings have been inspected, with around 80 currently considered unfit for habitation, according to the mayor.
The city is prepared to provide temporary accommodation, including containers, if necessary. Private initiatives are also reportedly offering caravans and prefabricated homes to people who have lost access to their properties.
Damage estimated at €110 million
The preliminary estimate of the damage stands at approximately €110 million, including VAT.
Mocić stressed that the figure remains provisional and was calculated using a preliminary assessment based on the area of buildings that were destroyed or damaged.
As investigators continue examining the cause of the fire, authorities are also focused on helping residents affected by the disaster and preventing further risks in the damaged areas.
