HIGHWAY CLOSED Large fire near Split

(Patria) - A fire that broke out last night near Jesenice, east of Split, is being fought by 140 firefighters with 45 vehicles. In some places, the fire threatened houses, but they were saved by the firefighters' intervention, it was learned from the chief fire commander of the Split-Dalmatia County, Ivan Kovačević.

The fire, as reported by the police, broke out at 2:54 AM above Jesenice and Sumpetar in the village of Staro selo. Four Canadairs and one Air Tractor are assisting the firefighters.

The chief fire commander of the Split-Dalmatia County, Ivan Kovačević, stated for HRT that the situation at the fire site is significantly more favorable than during the night, mostly thanks to air support.

"Canadairs are helping us, the situation is no longer dramatic. Mostly it is now smoldering, but strong winds could cause new problems during the day. We have contained the edges of the fire, and planes are intervening wherever needed, so we do not expect major problems," he said.

He confirmed that all residential buildings were successfully defended, including houses between two settlements in the densely populated coastal belt, as well as those in the old villages above the fire site.

"If there was contact with the fire, it involved minor damage. For now, we have no information about significant material damage to the buildings," he stated.

There is damage to olive groves and fig trees. While the Canadairs are flying, the settlements are without electricity, and the Adriatic Highway remains closed as fire trucks are still on the road.

"There are no injured citizens, and among the firefighters, there may be cases of irritated eyes or minor smoke inhalation, but nothing serious," Kovačević said.

He warned that the job is not yet finished.

"We expect site remediation and soaking. Firefighters will certainly remain at the fire site all day and night, and a good part of tomorrow as well," he announced.

The fire that broke out last night above Jesenice and Sumpetar, east of Split, is about three kilometers long, and the inaccessible terrain is hindering firefighting efforts, but houses and residential buildings have been defended.