SOCIAL WELFARE MINISTER VISITS FIRE-RAVAGED AREAS IN ZADAR COUNTY

( Editorial: --> 2346 ) ZADAR, Aug 7 (Hina) - Croatian Labour and Social Welfare Minister Joso Skara on Friday visited the areas ravaged by recent fires in the hinterland of Zadar, a seaport on the central Adriatic coastline. After viewing the grounds, Skara said he was satisfied no major damage had been done and that there had been no victims. Fifty-four fires have been registered in the last 48 hours over 3,500 hectares in Zadar County. Skara recalled the outstanding efforts professional firefighting units, members of the Croatian army, voluntary firefighting societies and local residents had made in putting out the fires. Skara said the government had ensured financial means for the purchase of new Canadair planes, and added the government would assist in replanting trees in the scorched areas. (hina) ha 071502 MET aug 98