Several wild fires break out along Croatia's Adriatic coast

Several wild fires broke out along Croatia's Adriatic coast on Monday, and the situation was the worst just outside the northern resort town of Crikvenica where firefighters battled a fire all day and into the night.

Local firefighters were relieved by colleagues from other areas and army troops as strong winds and rugged terrain hampered efforts to contain the blaze. The most critical situation was in Crikvenica's Hrusta neighbourhood, but houses there remained intact and no one was hurt.

A caravan camp and a Croatian Red Cross holiday complex in nearby Selce were evacuated as a wind-swept cloud of smoke enveloped the town. The fire disrupted traffic on the Adriatic highway near Selce, forcing travellers to seek alternative routes to the southern Adriatic.

Interior Minister Ranko Ostojic visited the area.

The other brush fires along the coast were mainly brought under control. (Hina)