Two water-carrying planes were assisting firefighters as they wrestled to prevent the flames from destroying oak forests in the central Dalmatia region, the HINA news agency reported.

Wildfires raged for a week on the southern islands of Hvar and Brac, destroying more than 3,000 hectares (8,100 acres) of pinewood and brush. Those fires had been contained by Saturdya although they had not petered out.

The flames also decimated areas planted with olive groves, vineyards and fields of lavender.

Prime Minister Ivica Racan has said four out of five of the fires that have occurred along the Adriatic coast in recent weeks, numbered at more than 300, had been caused by careless behaviour.

Six suspects have so far been detained in connection with the fires.

The fires follow Croatia's worst drought in 50 years, with several holiday resorts facing the prospect of water shortages in August.

TERRA.WIRE