Forest fire sweeps through natural park

FIFTY people who had to evacuate when a fire swept through the Montgo natural park are back in their homes.

Forty hectares were destroyed in the park near Denia on the Costa Blanca which started on Friday afternoon. The flames were finally brought under control at 3 pm on Saturday, with units from the foresty and fire services remaining on the scene in case of a flare-up.

The fire had started around 3.30pm on Friday in woodland in the foothills of the Montgo mountain. Residents in the area had to be evacuated because of the choking plumes of smoke, although there are no reports of injuries or damage to property.

The region is on high alert for fires after an exceptionally dry winter. It has been a busy start to the fire season in Spain, with several large fires affecting Almeria province in recent weeks.