Spain forest fires force evacuation of residents and tourists
Spanish firefighters are battling a huge forest blaze on the Costa
Blanca that has forced the evacuation of thousands of people including
tourists.
More than 300 firefighters have been deployed to tackle the fire some 120km (75 miles) south-east of Valencia.
Three fires were deliberately started on one of the hottest days of the year, emergency authorities have said.
The temperature in some places is 40C, but officials hope winds that fanned the flames will decrease.
Officials evacuated more than 1,000 people late on Sunday from Javea and the resort of Benitachell.
The fire became more severe on Monday afternoon and moved toward
populated areas in Cumbre del Sol, which authorities say they are also
evacuating.
'Stiff upper lip'
"Everyone is coming together", Jeremy Kenton, a British osteopath working in Javea, told the BBC.
"Evacuation tents are being set up in schools, the fire brigade has come
from as far north as Valencia, seaplanes are literally swooping down to
the sea and then fly in strange angles towards the mountains to drop
water.
