On Tuesday morning a fire broke out in the village of Mokalo on the Peljesac peninsula in southern Croatia, with firefighters struggling to contain the fire due to strong winds.

According to the state rescue directorate (DUZS), 40 people were evacuated from the village, along with tourists from two camping sites close to the fire who were moved to the town of Orebic.

Both professional and volunteer firefighting units from the region were sent to the area, including ten firefighters from Dubrovnik with four vehicles.

Earlier on Tuesday, two firefighting airplanes were sent to the area, but due to adverse weather conditions had to turn back to land at Split, after which they were put on standby to react in case the winds ease.

The fire, which broke out at 7 am on Tuesday, close to the entrance to the town of Orebic, was still reportedly active on Tuesday afternoon.

Also on Tuesday afternoon, Defence Ministry said they sent in 50 soldiers, two helicopters, and another firefighting plane to assist in efforts to contain the fire.

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