Some 100 firefighters backed by four water-dropping planes were struggling to bring the fire under control, which was being fanned by scorching heat and strong winds.

The fire has so far destroyed some 500 hectares of (1,200 acres) of pinewood and brush.

The Adriatic coast island of Hvar in the central Dalmatia region was already hit by fires in July, which destroyed some 1,500 hectaresacres) of land.

More than 4,400 hectares (11,000 acres) of pinewood and brush, but also areas rich in olive groves, vineyards and fields of lavender have been consumed in over 400 fires which have ravaged the country's Adriatic coast since the beginning of July.

TERRA.WIRE