Spain: Homes destroyed and 1,200 evacuated as fire ravages holiday island of Ibiza

[Pastor Dale Morgan]

Spain: Homes destroyed and 1,200 evacuated as fire ravages holiday island of Ibiza

By Tom Worden

Last updated at 2:34 PM on 20th September 2011

Around 1,200 people have been forced out of their homes by a forest fire raging in Ibiza.

Some 150 firefighters were battling to control the blaze yesterday, which threatened to engulf the exclusive Roca Llisa development on the south of the island.

Police ordered residents to leave the area, near the town of Santa Eulalia, in the early hours and, while emergency services appeared to have the fire under control today, fire crews were keeping a close eye on the scene in case the fire reignited.

Hellish conditions: Fire, smoke and super-heated air have forced the evacuation of around 1,200 people in the Santa Eularia area of Ibiza. Firefighters are battling to control the blaze

Night and day, air and land: A rescue services helicopter bombs the fire front with water. Despite the best efforts, the fire is still threatening homes and resorts on the popular holiday island

Ever vigilant: Despite the flames being extinguished, experienced firefighters (like the one above left) know that the merest breeze or change in conditions can reignite the embers into a major fire

At least four houses have been ravaged by flames but there have been no reports of any injuries.

A spokesman for the British embassy in Madrid said they were unaware of any British expats or holidaymakers being affected.

The spokesman said: 'We are not aware of any British residents being affected by these fires. We have not been asked to provide consular assistance to anyone so we have not had any involvement.'

Trail of destruction: The leading edge of the fire continues on its path at the base of a hill in Santa Eulalia, while spot fires show where the blaze has been along the hillside

Waiting for information: The Mayor of Santa Eularia, Vicent Mari (centre), speaks with local residents after fires in their neighbourhoods. Emergency services are looking after evacuated locals

The fire broke out around 8pm on Sunday and is thought to have destroyed around 100 hectares of forest.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

It is the second major forest fire on the Spanish island this year. In May 1,500 hectares were destroyed by a blaze near Sant Joan, the worst forest fire in the island's history.