Emergency services said they had the fire almost under control but it re-energised when water dumping aircraft quit work after sundown – meaning the evacuation process had to start immediately.
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The Foreign Office has updated its advice to say: “If you’re travelling to the Benitachell and Javea areas of Spain check with your travel company whether you’ll be able to access your accommodation, as large areas have been evacuated due to forest fires”.
More than 300 people lodged in local schools and shelters, said emergency services who fought the flames through the night, backed by aircraft and military units.
Photos and videos posted on social media showed flames raging near built up areas. Several homes were destroyed by the fire, according to Antena 3.
The fire was intentionally started on one of the hottest days of the year, crisis authorities have said.
“This is insane. I think my auto and maybe my apartment is on fire”, he tweeted on Sunday. He tweeted that he and his family were safe, but scared.
Firefighters said the blaze was fuelled by scorching temperatures and low humidity levels.
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Most of Spain was facing an “extreme risk” of wildfires on Monday, with temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) forecast in some parts of the country.
