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| The wildfire was burning near Benitachel village, outside Benidorm |
Spanish firefighters are battling a
huge forest blaze near Valencia that has forced the evacuation of
thousands of people including tourists.
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| The fire has been burning in the Natural Park La Granadella in Benitatxell |
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| A huge cloud of smoke was seen in Benitatxell, on the Costa Blanca, south of Valencia |
Officials evacuated over 1,000 people late on Sunday from Javea and the resort of Benitatxell, about 40km north of Benidorm, due to the threat from the flames.
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| Aircraft are playing a crucial role in the firefighting efforts |
Emergency services quoted by the Associated Press news agency said they had the fire nearly under control on Sunday but it rekindled when water-dumping aircraft stopped work after sunset - meaning the evacuation process had to begin immediately.
Valencia emergency services head Jose Maria Angel told Spanish radio that he believed three blazes that ripped through vegetation and destroyed buildings in the area were due to "the hand of man... in a very precise way".
BBC Radio presenter Chris Stark was among those caught up in the blaze. "This is crazy. I think my car and maybe my apartment is on fire.," he tweeted.
At this time of the year, tourists make up a substantial proportion of residents in resorts such as Javea.
The latest fires have been fuelled by strong gusts and little rainfall, officials say.
More than 300 people are reported to be taking sanctuary in local schools and shelters after emergency services fought the flames throughout Sunday night, supported by aircraft and military units.
In December more than 120 forest fires broke out in northern Spain, some of which officials said may have been started deliberately.