Kaštela Police Station completed its criminal investigation and confirmed that two minors, born in 2010 and 2011, caused the fire on Malačka that came dangerously close to family homes.
Two teenagers were arrested by the police on suspicion of causing a fire on Malačka on August 15, 2026, which came close to family homes and destroyed approximately 5,000 square meters of agricultural land. The individuals were born in 2010 and 2011, and the police identified them after reviewing publicly available video footage related to the fire, which started around 12:44 AM.
According to the findings of the criminal investigation by the Kaštela Police Station, there is reasonable suspicion that the two minors, acting together and by prior agreement, used a lighter to ignite rolling papers at a bus stop near Put Malačke, in the direction of Kaštela. The police suspect they then threw the burning pieces of paper into dry grass and low shrubbery.
The fire spread quickly, and the minors then fled the scene on a moped. The blaze engulfed approximately 5,000 square meters of agricultural land and came close to family homes. The police report that this situation caused fear and anxiety among local residents for their own safety and property.
The two minors will face criminal charges for suspicion of committing the criminal offense of endangering life and property by a generally dangerous act or means. After the investigation was completed, the police announced they would be handed over to the custody supervisor.
The incident on Malačka is considered particularly serious due to the circumstances in which the fire started. During a period that is extremely dangerous for the outbreak and spread of fires, a single ignited piece of paper thrown into dry grass was enough for the fire to engulf thousands of square meters and approach homes. The police have not yet disclosed additional information about the motives.
What is known is a warning in itself: playing with fire on dry vegetation is not a harmless joke. In just a few minutes, it can escalate into a criminal offense and endanger the lives and property of others.
