The investigation into the fire above Konopljikova Bay confirms that an open flame or embers met weather favourable to fire spread. A man had been working and smoking there — but that is the state of the investigation, not a conviction.
The fire began above a bay
At about 11:20 on 12 August, a fire broke out in the Gornji Dučac area above Konopljikova Bay near Postira. Vegetation and an olive grove burned.
Firefighting aircraft were deployed alongside ground crews. The current police notice concerns the completed examination of the fire scene, not a new active fire alert.
An open flame or embers are considered the cause
The investigation concluded that an open flame or embers started the fire and that weather conditions favoured its spread.
This wording narrows down technical causes. It does not automatically identify the exact object that produced the ember or a person who bears criminal responsibility.
A man had been working and smoking
According to the police investigation, a man had carried out work in the area before the fire and smoked while doing so. Police submitted a report to the competent State Attorney’s Office.
That connects his presence and conduct to the investigative picture. The notice is not a final finding that his cigarette was specifically what caused the fire.
Why a cigarette butt has not simply been proved
At a fire scene, heat, wind and firefighting water may destroy or move small traces. Even a cigarette that was found would need to be linked to a time and a person.
The reliable finding here is the police category of flame or embers. The precise causal chain remains a matter for further proceedings.
Weather amplifies a fire; it does not ignite one by itself
Drought, heat and wind can quickly turn a small pocket of embers into a vegetation fire. They explain the spread but do not replace the ignition source.
The notice therefore separates the two: a human-produced flame or embers as the trigger, and weather conditions as a factor in the fire’s development.
A strict summer fire ban applies on Brač
In Split-Dalmatia County, lighting fires and igniting easily combustible materials outdoors is generally prohibited from 1 June through 31 October. Exceptions require authorisation and protective measures.
Smoking in dry vegetation is also risky even when no open fire has been made. Ash and cigarette butts must be fully extinguished and placed in a non-combustible container.
The fair position on the case
The location, time, affected vegetation, aerial deployment and the cause category of flame or embers under favourable weather conditions are established. It is also established that a man had worked and smoked there.
The criminal-law assessment remains open. Until the State Attorney’s Office or a court establishes more, this should be described as suspicion and an investigative report — not proved guilt.
Evidence
Sources & date
Sources support the facts. Planning notes and recommendations are Golden Beach editorial assessments.
- Fire in the Postira area on the island of Brač — scene examinedSplit-Dalmatia Police Department · 28 August 2026fire location, time, cause, weather factor, investigation and report to the State Attorney’s Office
- Ban on lighting fires and igniting easily combustible materials outdoors is in forceSplit-Dalmatia Police Department · 1 June 2026seasonal fire ban, period and prevention guidance
