The large fire that has been burning since Saturday afternoon between Blato and Smokje on Korčula has been brought under control, with firefighters now tackling the edges of the burned area to prevent the flames from reigniting. Smoke is still rising in places from the fire site.
The county fire chief, Stjepan Simović, assessed that the situation is more stable than the previous day, but warned that there is no room for complacency given the vast area involved. "The fire is being extinguished and the edges are being secured. It looks better, but we are cautious because it is a large area," Simović said, as reported by Dalmacija Danas.
Two air tankers assisted the firefighters from the air, and a third has been announced, which will be on standby at the Dubrovnik airport until nightfall in case of renewed outbreaks. Rain partially slowed the spread of the fire during the night.
Commander Tucaković confirmed that the fire is under control after inspecting the site by helicopter. "There are still some smouldering patches, but the situation is good," he told Jutarnji list, adding that other fire sites along the Croatian coast are also under control. According to him, the blaze on Korčula was triggered by thunderstorms.
Two firefighters were injured during the two-day firefighting effort: both broke their legs, were treated, and are recovering. A total of 270 firefighters with 72 vehicles were deployed, including fresh forces that arrived from continental Croatia during the night and morning, with around 220 on site during the day.
The state road between Vela Luka and Korčula is open to traffic, but the Croatian Automobile Club (HAK) advises drivers to avoid it if possible due to the proximity of the fire site.
