ZAGREB, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Croatia experienced a 21 percent increase in wildfires last year compared to 2023, the Croatian Firefighting Association reported on Friday.
A total of 6,650 fires were recorded in 2024, including 3,825 vegetation fires. The total area burned amounted to 26,807 hectares. This represents a 29 percent increase in vegetation fires, and a 411 percent increase in the area affected by wildfires compared to the previous year.
The report also highlighted a decline in building fires. Fatalities from fires fell by 24 percent in 2024 and fire-related injuries dropped by 5 percent. However, the number of firefighters injured rose from 166 in 2023 to 175 in 2024.
Unfavorable weather conditions, including prolonged drought and heat waves, were cited as key factors contributing to the increase in wildfires across Croatia in 2024.
