 TWO forestry brigade members have died fighting a massive inferno near Finestrat (Alicante) which has already wiped out 300 hectares.
Another two have been injured and have been taken to hospital, whilst 130 children were evacuated from a camp in nearby Relleu.
Three forestry workers were taken to hospital in Alcoi and Alicante, one of whom is in the burns unit with his life hanging in the balance and another who lost his life yesterday in intensive care.
It was initially thought that up to 15 houses in La Torre de les Maçanes, where the fire broke out just before 13.00hrs on Sunday, had been burnt to the ground, but in fact they had only suffered damage to their windows and doors.
Hundreds of people in the village and surrounding hamlets - including Relleu, Benifallim and Penáguila - have been evacuated.
A total of 18 hydroplanes, in addition to the fire engines, are working around the clock to put out the blaze, and the army has been drafted in.
The fire is thought to have started after a car broke down and the engine caught fire when the owner lifted the bonnet up.
Both the deceased men were residents in La Torre de les Maçanes, a hamlet of around 800 inhabitants, and their death has sent shockwaves through the population. |
