GRASSFIRES IN OSIJEK CAUSE MINE EXPLOSIONS

( Editorial: --> 2557 ) OSIJEK, 17 Feb (Hina) - The people of Osijek heard repeated explosions on Monday which were caused by self ignited grassfires at various locations not yet cleared of mines, said a statement from the Osijek-Baranja County police. In close vicinity to the zoo, grass and weeds ignited yesterday afternoon. Professional firefighters from Osijek arrived at the location but could not put out the fire because of the frequent mine detonations. In the late evening hours the fire extinguished by itself. At the same time grass and weeds ignited at the Niveta and Saponija warehouses. Numerous detonations of remaining mines were heard from this direction. During the night the fire extinguished itself. (hina) mm mrb 171553 MET feb 98