Police Identify Those Who Started Fire on Čelinka Hill
Two Croatian nationals are suspected of causing the fire that alarmed the public by firing signal flares.
Two Croatian nationals are suspected of causing the fire that alarmed the public by firing signal flares.
The Zadar Police Department announced on Monday, August 3, 2026, that suspects have been identified in connection with the fire on Čelinka Hill in Draga. The suspects are two Croatian nationals, aged 21 and 22, who are suspected of having committed the criminal offense of endangering lives and property by a generally dangerous act or means.
The incident occurred on the night between Thursday and Friday, specifically on July 31, 2026, at around 8:55 PM. The public was particularly disturbed because a video surfaced on social media showing the fire breaking out after signal flares were fired in the Biograd area. Fortunately, the fire was quickly brought under control.
Police officers from the Biograd Police Station conducted a criminal investigation into the two suspects. According to the Zadar Police Department's statement, they are suspected of having caused the fire on Čelinka Hill by firing signal flares, which resulted in the burning of maquis shrubland, low vegetation, and grass.
Ground and aerial firefighting forces were involved in extinguishing the fire. Material damage has not yet been determined, and upon completion of the criminal investigation, a criminal report will be filed against both suspects with the competent State Attorney's Office in Zadar.
The criminal offense the two young men are charged with is described in Article 215, Paragraph 1, in conjunction with Paragraph 3, of the Criminal Code.
