Live satellite hotspots · source: NASA FIRMS
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Croatia's wildfire risk sits mostly along its long Dalmatian coastline, where dry Mediterranean scrub called macchia covers the hills behind popular towns such as Split, Zadar, Šibenik and Dubrovnik. The strong, gusty bora wind can drive a small fire into a serious one within minutes, and Croatia's islands, including Hvar, Brač and Korčula, share the same vegetation and risk pattern as the mainland coast. Istria in the north is generally less exposed but still sees fires in its forested interior during prolonged dry spells.
This map shows every satellite-detected hotspot across Croatia's coast, islands and interior, refreshed automatically so you can check conditions before a coastal drive, ferry crossing or hike. Search for a town such as Makarska or Trogir, or use your current location, and switch on live refresh for the latest satellite pass before heading out. Every marker includes a detection time and, once you set a location, a distance, so you can judge in seconds whether a fire is anywhere near your route.
Hotspots come from the VIIRS instruments on NASA FIRMS satellites (NOAA-20, NOAA-21 and Suomi NPP) and are cross-checked against Copernicus EFFIS. A hotspot is a heat detection, not a confirmed fire: industrial sites, solar farms and permanent burners are filtered out automatically.
Split and central Dalmatia
The hills around Split, Trogir and Kaštela burn regularly in July and August, when dry macchia scrub combines with strong bora gusts to push fires rapidly towards the coast. Nearby islands such as Brač and Šolta share the same conditions and are worth checking before day trips.
Dubrovnik and the south
The hinterland behind Dubrovnik and the Pelješac peninsula has a long history of summer wildfires in its steep, scrub-covered terrain, occasionally threatening vineyards and villages. Access roads can close temporarily, so it is worth checking this map before driving the coastal route.
Zadar, Šibenik and the islands
The Zadar and Šibenik hinterlands and islands such as Hvar and Korčula see frequent smaller fires during dry, windy weather, often started by discarded cigarettes or agricultural burning. Ferry schedules are rarely affected, but coastal footpaths can be closed on high-risk days.
Are there wildfires in Croatia right now?
This map shows every hotspot detected across Croatia in the last 18 hours, from Istria to Dalmatia and the Adriatic islands. No marker near your destination means no confirmed detection recently. Use the Live refresh button for the very latest satellite pass rather than the cached view.
When is Croatia's wildfire season worst?
Risk is highest from June to September, peaking during hot, windy stretches in July and August when the bora or jugo winds are strong. Coastal Dalmatia and the islands see the most activity; Istria in the north is generally calmer but not risk-free during extended dry spells.
What should I do if a wildfire is near my campsite or apartment?
Call the European emergency number 112 straight away, follow instructions from the vatrogasci (fire service) and site staff immediately, and head towards the coast or a major paved road rather than higher ground, where fire typically spreads fastest. Keep essential belongings ready to move quickly.
Are campfires and barbecues allowed in Croatia in summer?
Open fires and barbecues outside designated areas are typically banned across much of coastal Croatia during the dry season, with local authorities tightening rules further during extreme heat or strong wind. Campsites usually provide safe, permitted barbecue spots, so check with reception before lighting anything.
What is the emergency number in Croatia?
Dial 112 for general emergencies anywhere in Croatia, or 193 to reach the fire service directly. Both numbers work from any mobile phone, including roaming devices, and operators in tourist regions can often help in English as well as Croatian.
How current is this wildfire map for Croatia?
Hotspots come from VIIRS satellite passes covering the Adriatic coast multiple times a day, cross-checked where possible against the EFFIS European fire information system. Detections older than 18 hours are shown as no longer active. Press Live refresh to pull the newest available satellite data.
How do I see if a wildfire is close to my campsite or holiday address in Croatia?
Use the location finder on this map: type your destination, village or campsite name, or tap "Use my location". The map instantly shows the distance in kilometres to the nearest active hotspot, and you can switch on alerts for fires within 5 to 100 km. Every search gets its own link, so you can share the situation around your own address with family or fellow travellers.