Fire near Split reaches houses, being extinguished by water bombers and a large number of firefighters

(Patria) - The fire that broke out in Žrnovnica in the Split area is still active, and this evening it reached houses. The fire is being extinguished by four water bombers and more than 100 firefighters.

The fire broke out last night due to a lightning strike, and this afternoon the flames entered among the houses in the northern part of Žrnovnica.

Local resident Ines Barbarić says her house is burning for the fourth time and that they are trying to defend it from the fire with buckets, shovels, and hoses.

The president of the local committee, Mario Lolić, called on residents who do not feel safe to leave Žrnovnica and seek a safer place, Croatian media report.

Roads in that area are closed to traffic, and residents are wearing masks due to the smoke and burning from the fire, which can also be felt in Split.