Alex Trelinski
MORE than 500 hectares of forest land have been destroyed by a fire in the Marina Alta area of Alicante province.
The blaze – most likely caused by an agricultural fire – started after 12.00pm on Sunday in the Serra Ferrer between Tarbena and Halo.
Fire crews battled through the night to bring it under control but were hampered by humid weather, with at least three firefighters said to have been injured so far.
Two were injured in the head and back respectively after tumbling on the tricky terrain, while a third has an unspecified light injury.
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Due to the humid weather, smoke didn’t rise high enough, resulting in reduced visibility and crucially, meaning that fire fighting planes could not be deployed.
Regional emergencies secretary, Javier Montero, said. “The weather forecasts for lower humidity were not fulfilled meaning that flames continued in areas that can only be accessed from the air.”
The blaze spread quickly on Sunday as the incident was declared a level 2 emergency, resulting in the closure of the CV-715 and CV-752 roads.
Around 180 people who live in scattered rural properties in Parcent and Tarbent have been evacuated as a precaution.
Residents of a 26-strong long-established hippy commune had to be persuaded to leave by the Guardia Civil, as smoke poured over their community area.
Antonio Cordoba, from the Alicante Provincial Firefighters, said that the main critical area is the Barranc de Sacos, while Coll de Rates – where the fire started – is looking more promising.
Regional fire crews have been backed up by units from the Murcia region.
Valencian Justice and Interior Minister, Elisa Nuñez, appealed to people to stay away from the area so that fire crews can continue with their work uninterrupted.
It is hoped that the fire will be brought under control in the coming hours, reports Informacion.com.
