Forest fire on holiday isle under control
Forest fire on holiday isle under control
18 July 2011
published by www.gulf-times.com
Croatia — A major forest fire that broke out on the Croatian holiday island of Brac three days ago was brought under control yesterday, firefighting officials told local media.
Firefighters said they would remain watchful as the weather forecast announced winds later in the day that could again spread the blaze, the largest on Brac in years, national radio reported.
The fire, which broke out on Thursday on the islands southwestern side, has ravaged some 4,000 hectares of pine forest, olive trees and other plants, national rescue services said. Dozens of sheep also died in the blaze.
Some 400 rescuers, whose efforts were made more difficult by strong winds spreading the blaze, battled the fire with the help of firefighting planes and helicopters.
No one was injured in the blaze apart from one local woman who was trying to save her sheep and sustained minor burns.
The fire was difficult (to extinguish) since it spread among 10 locations full of tourists, but there was no panic, firefighting commander Mladen Jurlin said quoted by HINA news agency.
The fire caused power failures on Friday and some 230 people, mostly tourists, were evacuated from parts of the island at their own request.
Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor visited the island yesterday and said that she expected a swift probe into the cause.
If it was caused by humans than I expect that those responsible for it be held accountable, she said.
Local media reported that a barbecue by tourists on the island is suspected to have sparked the forest fire.
The island of Brac is one of the most popular holiday destinations on Croatias Adriatic coast.
