Wildfires

Wildfires - Croatia and Montenegro

Firefighters in Croatia and Montenegro have been struggling to contain wild fires that have erupted along the Adriatic coast in the two countries at the height of the tourism season.

In Croatia, the blazes have spread over several locations along the coast and on the islands, engulfing pine forests and low shrubbery in extremely dry and windy weather. Near the coastal town of Sibenik, a fire almost reached houses, but firefighting planes managed to stop the flames from spreading any further. Thick smoke has closed down the main road in the area. More fires have been reported further north, near the town of Pula, and on the islands of Pag and Vir.

In Montenegro, strong winds hampered efforts to battle several fires along the coast and near the capital, Podgorica.

Wildfires - California, USA

Two wildfires that began Sunday afternoon in Northern and Central California are prompting evacuations.

The Detwiller Fire, which began shortly before 4 p.m. just east of Lake McClure in Mariposa County, has spread to 2,500 acres and is forcing evacuations of residents on Hunters Valley road and parts of Bear Valley Road.

In Mendocino County the Grade Fire, which started shortly before 3 p.m., was burning along U.S. 101 about five miles northwest of Redwood Valley. By 8:45 p.m. the fire had burned about 1,000 acres and was 10% contained. Residents of the Baker Creek subdivision were under mandatory evacuation orders.