The blaze was contained before spreading, but the cause will be determined by an investigation. Unofficially, pyrotechnics from the Pakoštane Municipality Day celebration are being mentioned.
Firefighting units managed to contain and extinguish a fire in the Vidikovac Čelinka area in Drage on August 1, 2026, preventing its further spread, reports eZadar. Following the intervention at the fire site, an investigation is expected to clarify what led to the outbreak.
Although official confirmation is still pending, comments from local residents have multiplied on social media, according to eZadar. Unofficially, fireworks used during the celebration of Pakoštane Municipality Day are being mentioned as a potential trigger for the fire. It is not yet known whether the incident was caused by human error, a technical issue, or some other factor.
The page Vatrogasci 193 has released a video capturing the very moment the fire broke out. Alongside the footage, a photo by U. Klobasa has surfaced, documenting the scale of the fire, which was visible even from the island of Pašman.
Given the weather conditions characterized by high temperatures and dried-out vegetation, firefighters continue to urge maximum caution this summer. They warn that even the smallest spark, whether from an open flame or fireworks, can trigger a serious blaze, reports eZadar.
Vidikovac Čelinka is situated on a hill above the village of Drage, within the Municipality of Pakoštane. As one of the most impressive natural viewpoints in Zadar County, it offers a nearly 360-degree view of the surroundings, encompassing the sea and Vrana Lake.
