Forest fire near Split: Fire brigade fights devastating flames!

Forest fire near Split: Fire brigade fights devastating flames!

On the night of August 11, 2025, a large-scale forest fire broke out in the Jesenice region, east of Split, Croatia. The fire, which started around 2 a.m., stretches over a length of around three kilometers and is favored by strong Bora gusts, which make extinguishing work considerably more difficult. Around 150 firefighters are on duty with 50 vehicles, supported by four Canadair firefighting aircraft from the Croatian Air Force. Fire brigade commander Ivan Kovacevic reports heavy smoke, but the situation is no longer dramatic. Despite the dangers, the fire department was able to largely protect homes and other buildings.

The situation on site remains tense. The Croatian weather service warns of further strong to stormy winds, which could promote the spread of the flames. While some villages are cut off from power and there is extensive damage to agriculture - many olive and fig trees were destroyed by the fire - there have been no injuries reported so far. However, some firefighters suffered minor smoke inhalation. The extinguishing work is expected to take several more days.

Damage and effects of the fire

The effects of the forest fire can be felt in the area. While there is currently no precise information about the extent of the material damage, the consequences for agriculture in the region are clear. The fire not only affected agricultural areas but also disrupted power supplies in several villages. The fire department is working tirelessly to prevent the flames from spreading to surrounding houses.

The incident also raises questions about the cause of the fire. According to various data sources, electrical fire causes have increased in recent years. Statistics from the Institute for Loss Prevention and Loss Research (IFS) show that from 2002 to 2021, around 33% of the fires examined were caused by electricity. Insulation damage and technical malfunctions in particular can lead to high temperatures, which can cause fires.

The threat of electrical fire causes could also be relevant in the context of the current “flame infernus” in Croatia, especially considering that electrical installations have been repeatedly identified as a source of fire in the past. Safety tips for preventing fires emphasize the need for regular inspections and following manufacturer instructions to avoid such catastrophic incidents.

The extinguishing work in Jesenice, where the flames have already devastated large areas, appears to be far from being completed. The emergency services are expected to continue to be active in the region in order to avert the danger and minimize damage. Further investigations into the exact causes of the fire will have to be carried out after the fire has been extinguished.