FIRES BREAK OUT ALONG SOUTHERN CROATIAN COAST

DUBROVNIK, June 29 (Hina) - A fire which broke on the slopes of the Srdj hill near Dubrovnik, southern Croatian coast, yesterday, has not been localized by 20.00 hours on Sunday, said the head of the Civil Defense Department of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County, Sinisa Bacic. More than 200 hectares of forest ground, mostly pine and macchia, have burned down, Bacic said, adding that due to strong wind, the fire is spreading and is difficult to put out. Additional difficulties arise from remaining unexploded mines in the area, Bacic further said. Houses in the vicinity were not in danger, Bacic said, adding that the fire was set by man. A big fire which this morning broke near the village of Jadrtovac near Sibenik, also on the coast, was localized at 15.30 hours. At least 200 hectares of pine forest and macchia burned down according to first reports. (hina) ha 292149 MET jun 97