A severe wildfire on Croatia’s Adriatic coast has killed at least one person, injured about 40 and forced around 1,200 residents and tourists to evacuate. The blaze, described by Croatia’s fire chief as among the country’s worst, highlights the growing pressure on emergency services as extreme heat and dry conditions fuel wildfires across Europe.

The fire began near Lokva Rogoznica on Thursday evening and spread rapidly towards Omis, burning about 1,000 hectares within four hours amid strong winds. More than 300 firefighters were deployed, 10 people were admitted to intensive care, and emergency shelters opened along the coast; some people reportedly entered the sea from boats to escape the flames.