August 22 (SeeNews) - Wildfires have engulfed Croatia's Dalmatian coast and hinterland, forcing dozens to evacuate as the blaze is endangering their homes, authorities said on Tuesday.
Some 30 fires burning through Monday and Tuesday in the Zadar county have mostly been contained, but blazes in the municipality of Benkovac continue to flare as winds complicate the firefighters efforts, the state rescue and protection bureau, DUZS, said in a statement.
A part of the area under fire is polluted by wartime mines, which is making the situation even more perilous, DUZS noted.
Popular tourist spots, the islands of Hvar and Brac, have also been engulfed by flames over the past few days.
Croatia's armed forces have rushed to help the firefighters, with DUZS announcing on Tuesday a state of emergency for all firefighters on the territory of Croatia.
The main motorway from the country's capital Zagreb to coastal Split was closed briefly on Monday, while many regional roads remain shut for traffic.
Seven people have been arrested on suspicion of starting fires, including two Serbian citizens, according to Croatian media reports.