Thousands evacuated as massive 'suspicious' fires erupts near Benidorm

AT LEAST 1,000 people have been evacuated from homes near the popular holiday resort of Benidorm after a "suspicious string of fire" broke out.

The blazes erupted in Xabia, south of Valencia, 29 miles from the bustling tourist destination of Benidorm.
Those who live near where the inferno broke out were rushed to local schools, restaurants and hostels where it is believed they are still sheltering.
So far, at least 20 homes have been destroyed by the fire and Spanish media is reporting that the cause of the blaze is arson.
Police are investigating the cause of the fire, which they are describing as "suspicious".
Spanish news outlet Diario Informacion claims to have spoken to a researcher who claims they have "no doubt" the fire was caused by an arsonist.
This has yet to be confirmed by police.

The area is extremely popular with British tourists, with homes in Benitatxell, Tossalet and Cansalade also being evacuated as a precaution.
The fire was thought to have been under control earlier in the day, but new outbreaks have seen the blaze escalate.
The first fire broke out at the Cumbres del Sol at 4.10pm local time, with the next one starting at 6.30pm in Granadella.
The third fire then broke out at Playa del Arenal at 8.30pm local time.
The three fires surround thousands of home in the popular holiday region.
It is believed the first set of fires broke out at the Villes del Vent and Cansalades Park.
Police closed the road between Cansalades and Cami Cabanes, and then proceeded to evacuate residents in Valle del Sol, Valsol, Pinomar, Pinosol and Tossalet.
Thousands of locals were evacuated by the Civil Guard.
Spanish police had to arrest one homeowner who refused to be evacuated.


Radio One DJ Chris Stark posted a video on Twitter appearing to show the terrifying blaze near the town.
In the video, he says: “Take a holiday, they said.
“Come to Xabia, it’s a lovely place.
“I’m in Spain and I’m only laughing because I could cry.
“There’s a fire right now, right behind my apartment.
“From what I can see, it’s where my car is parked.”


Aircrafts have been drafted in to help combat the fire by dropping gallons of water onto the inferno.

Express.co.uk has contacted the Foreign and Commonwealth Office who cannot confirm or deny that any Britons have been affected by the blaze at this stage.
Bron:http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/707204/Benidorm-fire-Xabia-29-miles-holiday-resort-evacuation-homes-Britain-abroad | Gewijzigd: 31 januari 2017, 11:37 uur, door Joyce.s