A major wildfire on Croatia's Brač Island sent hundreds of people scrambling away from a seaside resort, with many escaping into the sea.
Tourists described a chaotic flight through burning embers and into the water as the fire pushed toward the area near Split.
Here's what to know
Firefighters told the Hina news agency that 500 people were evacuated from Brač when the fire swept through the island's southwest, according to The Independent. A large share of those evacuees were guests at the Gava Waterman Milna Resort.
In an interview with The Times, 26-year-old British tourist Josh Robbins said that when he and his fiancée, Shelby A'Court, came out of their room, they saw the resort's car park "surrounded by a wall of fire as firefighters tried to hold back the flames."
Over a hundred Britons flee from wildfires on Croatian island https://t.co/0DkSjZ8vgd
— The Times and Sunday Times (@thetimes) September 15, 2026
He said the two had to "run for our lives as a wall of flames closed in as we were showered by burning embers."
"It was terrible. We were in the water, on a stand-up paddleboard, and trying to get to the boat that was leaving," A'Court said, according to The Independent. "We were screaming, crying, begging. Luckily, they stopped and we were able to get on board. It was a matter of life and death. We're safe now and that's what matters."
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More background
Guests told The Times they felt "abandoned" during the evacuation, an allegation the resort rejected.
A spokesperson said: "This was an exceptionally fast-moving wildfire, driven by very strong winds. Power was lost across the resort, heavy smoke severely reduced visibility, and conditions changed dramatically in a very short period of time. We completely understand why guests caught up in those circumstances were terrified, and we do not seek to diminish or challenge their individual experiences."
Mayor Frane Lozić told Net.hr, per The Independent: "We thought we got it reined in yesterday, that it is all over, and then it happened: sea wind starts blowing at 9 p.m. and out of nowhere, there is a monster."
It is believed that over 3,500 hectares were burned by the flames.
What's being done?
The Independent reported that speedboats, fishing boats, and vessels from the Croatian navy and port authorities were among the craft used to get people off the island.
As people fled, firefighters tried to bring the fire under control.
"Josh lost his shoes as we swam, and I had to abandon stuff in my bag because it was soaked through and dragging me down. Others swam for it, and it's amazing no one was lost or drowned in the darkness," A'Court told The Times, per The Independent.
Where can I learn more?
Wildfires can force residents and visitors out of homes, hotels, and communities.
• Across Southern Europe, deadly heat created "molotov cocktail" wildfire conditions that forced thousands to evacuate.
• In the Carolinas, wildfires fueled by Hurricane Helene added evacuation orders to storm damage.
• The WMO said a major event that killed hundreds overwhelmed communities across Latin America.
With hotter, drier conditions raising the risk across regions, communities have to plan for evacuations.
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