Massive fire breaks out in Benidorm: Tourists watch from their hotel balconies as plane and helicopter swoop in to drop water on nearby inferno – as firefighters evacuate the homes most at risk
- The fire started around 4 p.m. today and is still burning near the popular seaside resort
- Local reports say the fire has already ravaged several areas in Armanello
A massive blaze spreads through Benidorm as firefighters try to bring the blaze under control.
The fire started around 4pm this afternoon and is still burning near the popular British tourist resort in Spain, leading to some of the most at-risk homes being evacuated.
Footage shows tourists watching in horror as thick black clouds of smoke billow from a field next to their hotel. An airplane and helicopter could also be seen flying overhead and dropping water over the flames.
Emergency services tried to put out the fire and local reports say the fire has already ravaged several areas in Armanello.
The emergency services tweeted: “The security forces stationed there inform the Coordination Center Emergency Center that they have had to evacuate some scattered and occupied houses in the vicinity of the fire area as a precaution.”
Flames rip through trees in a field next to hotels. Local reports say the fire has already ravaged several areas in Armanello
A tourist watches as thick black smoke billows from a field next to the hotel as the fire continues to spread
In an update at 9:20 p.m., they wrote that the fire was under control, but noted that units and fire trucks remained in the area.
They added that Benidorm City Council has allocated the Municipal Sports Center as a place to house people who cannot yet return to their homes.
The cause of the fire is still unknown, but authorities believe it started in nearby abandoned lots.
A spokesperson said: ‘That’s right [in] the wasteland lands and spreads.
‘It can be seen from Calpe.’
Calpe is located 24 kilometers northeast of Benidorm, which gives an indication of the extent of the fire.
Firefighters assist in the operation. The emergency services tweeted: “The security forces stationed there inform the Coordination Center Emergency Center that they have had to evacuate some scattered and occupied houses in the vicinity of the fire area as a precaution.”
An aircraft is used in efforts to contain the blaze, which started around 4pm this afternoon and is still burning near the popular British tourist resort of Benidorm
A helicopter is seen flying past a hotel and dropping water as part of efforts to contain the blaze
The blaze can be seen near one of the hotels as a helicopter swoops in to drip water onto the flames
A firefighter helps to bring the fire under control. The cause is still unknown, but authorities believe it started in nearby abandoned lots
The Alicante Provincial Fire Brigade Consortium posted photos on Twitter of crew members working on the blaze