Night fuel
Forest fire breaks out in the south of Valencia
08 September 2010
published by www.typicallyspanish.com
Spain:
Some people have been evacuated from their homes in what is decribed as a large blaze
A forest fire which has broken out overnight between Agullent and Ontiyent in the south of Valencia, has resulted in some families being evacuated from the area.
Fire fighting sources are quoted as saying it is a large blaze although there are still no exact estimations of its size.
Seven helicopters and five fire-fighting planes started to fight the fire at first light this morning. Latest reports say that several villas in Angullent and Ontiyent have had be evacuated, and that the fire appears to have three different fronts, leading to suspicions that it was started deliberately.
Ontiyent Mayor, María Lina Insa, says that she has made more than 100 beds available in the municipality for those residents who may need them. She said that the fire has already destroyed a textile factory and a school.
The UME Military Emergency Response team is in action and helping firemen from Valencia, Castellón and Alicante. The Valencia Regional Government has meanwhile lifted the forest fire alert in the province to its highest level as strong poniente winds affect the area.
The alarm was raised by a resident at about 10,30pm last night.
