LOC20:25
17:25 GMT
PARIS, July 27 (KUNA) -- Massive forest fires in France's southern Riviera region have been largely brought under control as dangerous winds died down overnight, security officials said on Thursday.
The fires, which have raged for five days, have destroyed up to 10,000 hectares of terrain and mobilised 4,000 firemen, backed up by 2,000 troops and civil security personnel.
France was forced to call for European assistance to provide Canadair fire-fighting planes to help curtail the blazes on Wednesday. About 20 planes were operational in the Riviera region, where thousands of residents and holiday-makers were evacuated.
"France 24" TV quoted local security sources as saying the situation had improved because high winds were no longer fanning the flames, but they cautioned that there were still some risks as deep-seated fire cores were still alive in some areas.
Evacuees were allowed to being returning home on Thursday under the close eye of firemen who remained on site and were consolidating operations. (end)
jk.mt