Zadar police have completed their investigation into the fire that broke out in the Telašćica Nature Park and have submitted a criminal report to the relevant state prosecutor’s office in Zadar, following the incident involving a 45-year-old Croatian national.
The man is suspected of having launched a signal flare from a vessel in the area of Dugi Otok on 10 July. The flare fell into the pine forest within the park, where a fire broke out shortly after.
The fire consumed the pine forest and low vegetation, with land and air fire brigades involved in the extinguishing efforts. The extent of the material damage is still being assessed, the police reported.
The investigation was conducted by officers of the Maritime and Airport Police Station in Zadar. The man is charged with endangering life and property through a dangerous act.
Telašćica, located on Dugi Otok, is protected as a nature park, meaning any fire in the area poses a threat to the protected natural heritage. The final decision on the liability of the accused will be made by the judicial authorities.
