Tučepi, Croatia

[Note: undated footage]

The dramatic video captures firefighters battling a fierce blaze that left at least one injured in a spectacular seaside tourist destination that was surrounded by flames.

The footage, captured near the Biokovo Nature Park, near the VIP Croatian tourist resort of Tucepi, along the southern coast of Croatia, showed a firefighter driving a tanker around the burning area on 31st July.
A firefighter outside the vehicle can be heard instructing his colleagues and saying: "Come on, come on, more. Climb up! Watch out, watch out!"

The clip triggered an avalanche of comments on Facebook, leaving users unable to hold back from sharing their thoughts.

According to local media, the devastating fire intensified to the point where it split into three separate blazes, igniting forests, vehicles, and homes.

It followed after a strong wind blew throughout the night and further complicated efforts to control the blaze, which at one point spread 12 kilometres (7.4 miles).

Tucepi Voluntary Fire Brigade commander Goran Buselic said that 240 firefighters and over 40 tankers were on the ground, with two Canadair planes assisting from the air.

Initial estimates indicate that over 100 hectares of green area have been burned. One firefighter sustained injuries.

Meanwhile, dozens of locals were urged to evacuate their homes as power supplies were cut. Several explosions, apparently from gas canisters, could be heard in the area.

Local official Ante Cobanic said he attempted to extinguish a small fire before it suddenly spread within five minutes. He remarked: "The speed was incredible."
The fire was brought under control by mid-morning 31st July, but all emergency forces remained on high alert, said media.