KORNAT ISLAND — 2007 · Major Tragedy
The Kornat Wildfire Tragedy
On 30 August 2007, 23 firefighters were flown by helicopter onto Kornat Island in Kornati National Park to fight a wildfire. Thirteen of them were caught between two hills without water and encircled by a sudden wall of fire. Six died at the scene and six more later in hospital from burns; only one survived. The official explanation was a sudden "eruptive fire", though other theories, such as a helicopter fuel leak or old ordnance, were debated. The commander who led the operation was tried for years and ultimately acquitted. The tragedy is commemorated in Croatia every year.
- Date
- 2007
- Place
- Šibenik-Knin County, Croatia, Kornat Island, HR
- Category
- Major Tragedy
- Case Status
- Closed
- Coordinates
- 43.8200, 15.3300 ↗
Timeline of Events
- 30 August 2007Thirteen firefighters were trapped by fire on Kornat; 12 died.
- 2007The official account pointed to an eruptive fire.
- November 2010The regional fire commander's trial began in Zadar.
- April 2018In a retrial the commander was acquitted of all charges.
Sources
- Balkan Insight — Families, officials remember 12 firemen killed in 2007 Kornat wildfire balkaninsight.com ↗
- Croatia Week — Anniversary of Kornat island tragedy marked croatiaweek.com ↗
- Total Croatia News — Supreme Court acquits commander over Kornati tragedy total-croatia-news.com ↗
- Balkan Insight
- Croatia Week
- Total Croatia News
Source grade B: at least one verifiable linked source. If you spot a mistake or something missing, report it with "Suggest a correction" in the app.
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🕯️ This record was prepared with respect, in memory of those who lost their lives.