FIRE-FIGHTERS TAKING CONTROL OVER S. CRO FIRES - GOVT CRISIS STAFF

( Editorial: --> 2289 ) ZAGREB, Aug 7 (Hina) - The latest data from southern Croatia show that numerous groups of fire-fighters assisted by air forces are taking control over the fires which have been burning the area, the Croatian government's crisis staff said on Friday. It is expected all five fires in Dubrovnik-Neretva County will be put under control. The scorched area was visited by Premier Zlatko Matesa during the night. He appointed the government crisis staff for resolving the natural disaster in southern Croatia in Cavtat at 1 A.M. The aim of the staff is to establish and coordinate the activities of organised defence and life-saving units in the area. Assistant Interior Minister Miljenko Bukovac was appointed head of the crisis staff. Some 1,200 professional and voluntary fire-fighters, members of the Croatian army and civil protection, and many civilians, have been taking part in fighting the fire. An air bridge was established this morning between Zagreb and Dubrovnik and between Pula, in Istria, and Dubrovnik, by which 160 professional fire-fighters have been transported to the fire- ravaged area. Since early morning, three Canadair fire-fighting planes have also been at work, alongside three specially equipped helicopters and an Airtractor naval reconnaissance plane. The crisis staff emphasised that the efforts of the fire-fighters are guaranteed to protect people and buildings whom the fire seriously threatened last night. The Dubrovnik airport in Cilipi was reopened and air transport is proceeding undisturbed. No roads are closed, and ships and ferries are sailing according to schedule. The crisis staff called on the numerous tourists in southern Croatia to continue with their holidays. (hina) ha 071113 MET aug 98