It is strictly forbidden to light fires in the open from May 1st to October 31st. Lighting a fire outdoors from November 1st to April 30th is allowed only if permission is sought beforehand from the firefighting service, who will issue an official permit if the proposed fire is deemed safe. Anyone failing to observe these regulations can be fined between 500 and 2,000 kunas, and of course there are more draconian punishments for those who cause damage of any kind through careless fire lighting.

General principles to bear in mind when lighting a fire outdoors are to have a good supply of water at hand to prevent the fire from getting out of control, and never to leave a burning fire unattended.

The Croatian firefighting service is second to none for manpower, skills and equipment. Hvar is very well protected. But when it comes to fires, prevention is always better than cure!

Further information can be obtained (in Croatian) from the firefighting service in Stari Grad on 021 761 126, or the national fire service on 193 or 112.

VG April 9th 2015