Hundreds of individuals, including British tourists, were compelled to evacuate the Croatian island of Brac after a significant wildfire erupted, forcing some to flee into the sea as flames rapidly advanced. One witness described the terrifying experience of escaping what felt like a “wall of flames.”
Wildfire Forces Mass Evacuation on Brac Island
Approximately 500 people were evacuated from the island of Brac, located near the popular coastal city of Split. Many of those evacuated were guests at the Gava Waterman Milna Resort. Firefighters confirmed the evacuation numbers to the Hina news agency. The incident saw tourists, including British nationals, seeking refuge from the encroaching fire.
Tourists Describe Harrowing Escape
British guests at the resort recounted being forced to flee into the sea, using a paddleboard to escape the intense heat and flames. Some individuals, speaking to The Times, alleged they felt abandoned during the evacuation process. Josh Robbins, 26, recounted how he and his fiancée, Shelby A’Court, discovered their resort’s car park engulfed in fire as emergency services battled to contain the blaze.
“We had to run for our lives as a wall of flames closed in as we were showered by burning embers,” Robbins told The Times. Their ordeal began when the power failed at the resort. Despite initial assurances from hotel reception that everything was under control, guests were advised to pack their belongings. Within minutes, the fire was alarmingly close to their room.
Robbins described a chaotic scene at the reception area, which was largely deserted except for one staff member. Guests struggled to exit through the electric doors, which were not functioning, and had to force them open. This account from Robbins was also reported by Croatian broadcaster RTL Danas via net.hr.
Rescue Operations Underway
A fleet of boats, including speedboats, fishing vessels, and craft belonging to the Croatian navy and port authorities, were deployed to rescue those stranded on the island. The rescue efforts were critical in evacuating people from the immediate danger zone.
Shelby A’Court detailed the frightening evacuation, stating, “We were in the water, on a stand-up paddleboard and trying to get to the boat that was leaving. 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.” She also mentioned losing shoes and having to abandon soaked belongings while trying to reach safety in the dark.
Resort Responds to Abandonment Allegations
The resort management has denied allegations of abandoning guests. A spokesperson for Waterman Hotels, in response to inquiries from The Times, acknowledged the extreme circumstances. “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,” the spokesperson stated.
While expressing understanding for the guests’ terror, the resort highlighted the challenging conditions. “We completely understand why guests caught up in those circumstances were terrified, and we do not seek to diminish or challenge their individual experiences.” The spokesperson added that the resort was “extremely proud of the responsibility and courage shown by our employees that night.”
Island Mayor Calls Fire a “Disaster”
The mayor of Milna, Frane Lozic, characterized the wildfire as a devastating event, describing it as “simply impossible” to comprehend its speed and destructive power. “I would have not believed that [the fire] can wipe out everything in its path so quickly,” Lozic told Net.hr. “We thought we got it reined in yesterday, that it is all over, and then it happened: Sea wind starts blowing at 9pm and out of nowhere, there is a monster.””
Croatia’s Wildfire Season
Authorities estimate that approximately 3,500 hectares of land were consumed by the fire on Brac, though a full damage assessment is still pending. This incident occurs during a severe wildfire season for Croatia. Data from the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) indicates that Croatia has experienced its most significant wildfire activity since 2022 in terms of land burned.
Thus far in the current year, over 20,800 hectares have been affected by 59 wildfires across the country, according to EFFIS. While it remains unclear if the Brac fire is included in these figures, the total is still below the record set in 2017, when 67,666 hectares burned across 108 wildfires, marking the worst year for wildfires in Croatia since EFFIS began data collection.
Broader European Wildfire Context
The wildfire on Brac is part of a broader pattern of devastating wildfires across Europe this summer. The European Union’s crisis management commissioner, Hadja Lahbib, reported that approximately 700,000 hectares of land burned across the EU in 2026 due to consecutive heatwaves that have scorched the continent, leading to tens of thousands of excess deaths.
Conclusion
The wildfire on Brac island highlights the extreme dangers posed by rapidly spreading fires, particularly in popular tourist destinations. The harrowing experiences of those evacuated, including British tourists forced into the sea, underscore the critical need for effective emergency response and clear communication during such crises. While the immediate danger has passed for those evacuated, the long-term impact on the island and its community remains to be seen.
