PREVENTION IS KEY TO PROTECTION FROM FIRES - SAYS LOWER HOUSE

( Editorial: --> 3027 ) ZAGREB, Sept 25 (Hina) - The Croatian National Parliament's House of Representatives on Friday discussed a report on the fires in Croatia's coastal area in the period between July 1 and August 31 this year. A total of 1,118 fires in the open were registered in that period, a total of 36,211 hectares burned down, two people died as a result of the fires, and the damage exceeds US$96 million. The majority of the fires, 76 per cent, were caused by accident or carelessness. Criminal proceedings determined no fires were the result of terrorist activity. A total of 21 criminal charges and 65 offences were pressed, the report says, adding the fires were mainly caused by uncontrolled burning of dried grass and incautious fire-lighting. About 11,500 men, 3,273 firefighting vehicles, three Canadair aircraft, and helicopters were engaged in the firefighting efforts. The report also says that as part of a World Bank loan, the government is planning to purchase another two Canadairs and the equipping of six operational centres along the coast. The lower house concluded that fire prevention must become a priority, and that the claim that there were no finances for it was unacceptable. Deputies also said more funds had to be earmarked from the state budget for fire prevention, and that the status of voluntary firefighting societies has to be debated. (hina) ha jn/mbr 251439 MET sep 98