Fire rages uncontrolled in Dénia and Xàbia

FIRE has devastated Montgó Natural Park and burnt down numerous properties, leading to the evacuation of 1,500 people, many of whom have had to be treated for smoke inhalation.

The fire is still not under control and is burning strongest near to Xàbia’s nautical club.

The sound of emergency sirens coming from ambulances and fire trucks filled the streets of Dénia and Xàbia on Thursday evening, as Alicante Province witnessed its worst fire of the summer, prompting intervention by military emergency services.

The fire started at around 4pm right in the middle of the Natural Park. It seems to have originated from multiple locations, prompting the theory that it was started intentionally.

Seven firefighting teams worked through the night in an attempt to control the fire, and emergency services in Valencia have said that up to 12 firefighting aircraft will be deployed early on Friday morning in an attempt to bring the blaze under control.

The fire was aggravated by strong winds, and spread up to Torre del Gerro in Dénia, forcing security forces to close the Las Planas motorway.

In Xàbia, 500 people had to leave their homes to be temporarily housed in the sports centre. The evacuation of at least 1,000 people has taken place in La Plana de San Jerónimo and Las Rotas in Dénia.