A FIREFIGHTER tackling an inferno in the province of Castellón which has so far wiped out 50 hectares of land (124 acres) has been air-lifted to Valencia's La Fe hospital after becoming injured, emergency services report.
The blaze started in an area known as La Esparraguera near the town of Culla in the north-west of the province, and has spread rapidly because of the high winds sweeping the country.
Several country houses and farms have been evacuated and at least one property is thought to have caught fire.
A group of volunteer firefighters became trapped whilst attempting to access one of the farms and, although they managed to escape in time, two fire engines were damaged and one of the firemen suffered burns.
He was taken to hospital by helicopter.
At least 10 fire engines are on the ground at the scene and hydroplanes – two air-tractors and a helicopter - will be sent in at first light.
