Huge Forest Fire Causes Evacuations

Arsonists have been blamed for starting this huge forest fire by the side of a road which has seen local residents evacuated from their homes and two national motorways closed.

The startling incident took place in the municipality of Muskiz in the province of Biscay in the autonomous community of Basque Country in northern Spain.

Local media report the fire was spotted by residents in the Carrascal area in Muskiz and the authorities were sent to try and control the flames.

In the video, the forest fire can be seen burning close to the road in a long line.

Other images show the line of flames burning in the forest as the authorities rush to the scene.

Reports state local residents had to evacuate their homes and the A-8 and 634 motorways were both closed in the incident.

Firefighters eventually managed to stabilise the fire which affected around 50-60 hectares of land.

The authorities have opened an investigation into the causes of the fire and the Mayor of Muskiz, Borja Liano, is said to believe the fire was “incomprehensibly” started by someone or several people.

Liano said “the image of the burnt hill is brutal” and added that there had been no personal damage from the fire.

It is unclear if anyone was injured in the incident and the investigation is ongoing.

Netizen ‘Ximena Alazne’ commented: “Now those responsible should be found and put in prison.”

(T4 / ends)