HolidayLawyers instructed by family caught in terrifying Croatia wildfire
HolidayLawyers has been instructed by a family who say they were forced to flee for their lives after a wildfire reached their resort on the Croatian island of Brač.
The family were staying at the Gava Waterman Milna Resort as part of a Jet2Holidays package between 8 and 15 September 2026.
They say wildfires had been visible in the area for several days but guests were repeatedly reassured there was no cause for concern.
On the evening of 12 September, however, the situation deteriorated dramatically.
The family say power to the hotel was lost shortly after 9.30pm, ash began falling around the resort and large flames became clearly visible nearby.
They allege there was no fire alarm, evacuation announcement or organised emergency procedure and that guests were left trying to work out how to escape as staff themselves began leaving the resort.
Three members of the family eventually reached a wooden jetty where they say they remained for around an hour before being evacuated by boat.
One member of the family says he suffered significant smoke inhalation while helping elderly holidaymakers onto rescue vessels and remained unwell for several days afterwards.
The family has now instructed HolidayLawyers to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the warnings and information provided to guests, the evacuation arrangements and the assistance provided by the tour operator and hotel.
Growing concerns over wildfire affected holidays
HolidayLawyers has been contacted by a number of holidaymakers whose trips have been seriously disrupted by wildfires affecting resorts overseas.
With extreme heat and wildfires increasingly affecting popular holiday destinations, the consequences for tourists can be severe.
Where holidaymakers find themselves surrounded by smoke, flames or falling debris, or are forced to evacuate without knowing whether they and their families will escape safely, the psychological consequences can also be significant.
HolidayLawyers founder and Solicitor Advocate Aman Dhillon said:
“Having previously represented passengers and crew following the Costa Concordia disaster, I have seen how the psychological effects of a close escape from a major incident can continue long after the immediate danger has passed.
“Wildfires will not necessarily be the fault of a tour operator. The important questions are often what was known, what guests were told, whether appropriate emergency procedures were followed and whether proper assistance was provided when people were placed in danger.”
Was your holiday affected by a wildfire?
If you were caught in a wildfire, evacuated from your hotel or resort, suffered injury or smoke inhalation, or believe your holiday company failed to provide appropriate assistance during an emergency, HolidayLawyers can advise you on whether you may have a claim.
We have decades of experience handling serious international travel claims and have recovered millions of pounds in compensation for thousands of holidaymakers.
If your holiday was ruined by a wildfire, contact HolidayLawyers to discuss what happened.



