Sierra Nevada fire may have been caused by arsonists
Sierra Nevada fire may have been caused by arsonists
A BLAZE has broken out in the Sierra Nevada mountain range not far from Granada, leading to 15 helicopters and hydroplanes being sent out.
The fire started at 16.00hrs (on Friday) in two places simultaneously, leading emergency services to believe it is the work of arsonists.
It began near the village of Cenes de la Vega close to the Lomas de Genil area of Granada city, but as yet has not reached the heart of the Sierra Nevada national park, one of Spain's best-known ski destinations.
At least 142 firefighters have been working on the blaze overnight, and at the time of publication it continued to burn.
High winds in the mountains have not helped matters and are pushing the flames in a northerly direction towards the national park.
Traffic was blocked off yesterday evening on the A-395 to allow fire engines to get through.
Clouds of smoke and even flames could be clearly seen from the centre of Granada before dark, and emergency services received at least 150 panicked calls.
