Voluntary Firefighting Unit from Gradac claims it has the proof.

Interior Minister Davor Božinović announced on Thursday that an open flame or ember was the cause of a fire which burnt 4,500 hectares of the area near Split. It is still not known what exactly caused the fire. But, members of the Voluntary Firefighting Unit from Gradac say they have found the proof that the fire was started intentionally, reports Index.hr on 21 July 2017.

On its Facebook page, the unit posted a photo of a cigarette wrapped around with matches. It was found in the woods, at the only location in the vicinity which has not been caught by the fire. The members of the unit write that they assume that the person was starting the fires used similar devices in order to have enough time to escape from the area. In this case, the attempt to initiate the fire was obviously not successful.

“We have found evidence that the fires are being started intentionally. This morning, in Gradac, at the only location untouched by the fire, we have found a cigarette wrapped around with matches. It was probably used by a pyromaniac to start a fire with a delay, which would enable him to escape in time. We are risking our lives, we are going into fires, saving people and property, and what do they do? Is this terrorism?” wrote the unit on Facebook.

Their colleagues from Voluntary Firefighting Unit in Makarska have also expressed their concern because it was only by luck that this particular attempt at starting a fire was not successful. They have asked citizens to protect forests and look after their property and lives, adding that they will continue to fight the flames.

“We think that photos such as these do not need further comments. It is deeply worrisome that such ‘gadget’ has been found in the woods near Gradac. Luckily, there was no fire. How can we fight against such sick people, pyromaniacs? Please, look out for our forests, do not allow sick people to destroy Croatian forests, thereby endangering your property and your lives. And we will continue to fight with flames just like we have always done,” wrote the Voluntary Firefighting Unit from Makarska.

Translated from Index.hr.