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In pics: Devastation caused by Costa Blanca wildfires

The Local Spain
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In pics: Devastation caused by Costa Blanca wildfires
A burnt out car and charred forest in Jávea. Photo: AFP

After battling for three days, firefighters believe that they have the blazes on the Costa Blanca under control.

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The fires in Jávea and Benitatxell are under control and those residents who were evacuated during Sunday and Monday have now been told that it is safe to return to their homes.

Authorities report that 812 hectares ( 2,006 acres) have been devastated between Jávea and Benitatxell before the fires were brought under control, although until the ashes have completely gone out there is still a risk of reignition.

Amazingly despite the close proximity of the blaze to built up areas only around 100 houses in wooded zones were affected by the wildfires, which are known to have been deliberately started.

Police are now hunting the arsonists and have a video taken by a resident from a fifth floor window that they believe may show the man responsible for starting at least one of the widfires leaving the area.

Meanwhile another wildfire that broke out on Monday in the Bolulla area and spread across the Sierra de Bernia is thought to have been started by a barbecue. It is still burning but is described as 'under control'.

This interactive map shows the affected zones.

Here are a selction of images posted on social media that show the full extent of the devastation.

 

 
Firefighters had worked through the night to ensure the blaze didn't spread.
The local authorities will hold a meeting on Wednesday evening to call for the wildfire area to be declared an official disaster zone.

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