Wildfire destroys 2 000ha in northwest Spain

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Fire-fighters, soldiers and residents are battling to extinguish a wildfire that has destroyed at least 2 000ha of woodland and fields in north-western Spain.

Regional environment department spokeswoman Jesica Lopez said 500 fire-fighters and soldiers worked through the night to try to put out the day-old blaze around the town of Cualedro.

Some residents beat back the flames with bush branches and shovels while others used wheel barrows and buckets to carry water to throw on the fire.

 Lopez said there was no immediate threat to local houses She said nine water-carrying planes and 30 fire fighting trucks had been deployed

Efforts to control the fire were hampered by strong winds and high summer temperatures.