Tourist hotspot in Spain evacuated due to unruly wildfire

Hundreds of people have been evacuated, including many Brits, after a wildfire spread through the tourist hotspot Costa Blanca, near Benidorm, on the south-east coast of Spain.

Reports say that the fire was deliberately started in Javea, on Sunday afternoon, and that at least 20 homes have been destroyed.

Javea, which is located 25 miles from Benidorm, is very popular with British tourists. Many British expats also live there all year long.

As well as homes in Javea, homes in neighbouring areas including Benitatxell, Tossalet, and Cansalade, were also evacuated by emergency teams for precautionary measures.

Firefighters were called in to battle the blaze overnight, which stretched across 5 miles.

The fire is still active in several areas. The army have been called in to assist more than 200 firefighters already contending with the fire.

Centres have been set up by army members in order to assist the thousands of evacuees.

The temperatures in the area of the fire are predicted to stay high for the rest of today, however the wind has calmed down, making it easier for the firefighters to deal with and control the blaze.

The police are dealing with the situation, and are currently investigating the cause of the fire, labelling it as “suspicious.”

A group of 15-year-old youths have been arrested, according to local sources, The Sun reports.

Published 05 Sep 2016

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