Omis Aftermath: Residents Face Devastation and Uncertainty Following Rapid Wildfire

MARUŠIĆI, CROATIA – Residents of Marušići near Omis are grappling with the devastating aftermath of a large-scale fire that swept through the area, leaving a trail of destruction across approximately 300 hectares. The blaze, which locals describe as spreading in mere minutes, destroyed homes, vehicles, and the natural landscape. One resident, Mladen from Marušići, recounted the terrifying moments when his wife was trapped in their home. "She stayed in the house, now I can't go back, nor can I get out," he stated, expressing immense relief that she managed to escape the inferno. Another local resident echoed the sentiment of rapid destruction: "It burned on all sides, it destroyed the village. All credit to everyone who basically came out and managed to defend anything, it's a miracle. It was unbelievable." Local residents have expressed deep gratitude for the heroic efforts of firefighters and other emergency services. "There were no hoses. All credit to the firefighters, I have no words for those guys. God bless them!" said a female resident of Marušići. Another resident praised the police for facilitating access, allowing them to evacuate the vulnerable. Firefighters remained on duty throughout the night following the main blaze, recording only a small number of interventions, indicating the fire was largely under control. Višeslav Pešić, commander of DVD-a Omiš, highlighted the speed of the fire's spread: "If I told you that from Pisak to Marušići the entire fire passed in about ten minutes, you have to know what kind of wind it was and what caused it." Police are actively investigating the cause of the fire, gathering information from the field and conducting interviews with citizens. Antonela Lolić, spokesperson for the Split-Dalmatia Police Department, confirmed, "We are working based on operational information that we ourselves gather on the ground, and everything that citizens tell us. Interviews are being conducted, the field is being visited, and everything is being checked as part of the criminal investigation." In addition to the investigation, efforts are underway to restore power lines, as many residents are still without electricity. For some evacuated tourists, a few days of paid vacation remain, and hosts are trying to find ways to accommodate them. However, many locals are pessimistic about the continuation of the tourist season. "Will guests come to this, I don't know if it makes sense," one resident pondered, adding, "Unfortunately, that's how it is. Is this season even feasible in such a situation, not only for us, but for the entire village?" The once vibrant Dalmatian coast, known for its pine forests and sea air, is now marked by black ash and the smell of burning.