About 2,000 hectares burned in worst fire in Spain's Ibiza

About 2,000 hectares burned in worst fire in Spain's Ibiza

2011-05-27 06:06:12 GMT+7 (ICT)

IBIZA, SPAIN (BNO NEWS) -- Spanish authorities on Thursday informed that about 2,000 hectares have burned in Ibiza, the worst wildfire in the island's history, El Pais newspaper reported.

Defense Minister Carme Chacon said the situation "looked bad" as firefighters continue struggling to contain the devastating blaze at the popular island resort. The wildfire began approximately 30 hours ago.

High winds have complicated firefighters' efforts and about 200 people from, 80 homes had to be evacuated, according to the regional government of the Balearic Islands. The fire erupted on Wednesday near the northern town of Sant Joan de Labritja.

No fatal victims have been reported, but the northern region of the Island has sustained severe fires that left the soil charred and huge smoke columns. Authorities deployed 14 aircraft, including helicopters and small planes, to monitor the spreading of the fire from above.

The Defense Minister also supervised the joint recovery efforts by the local police, the Civil Guard, and the military. Currently, there are about 400 service members battling the wildfires and 150 soldiers are expected to arrive on Friday morning.

Police detained a 50-year-old man suspected of starting the fire with a smoker he was using to blow smoke into a beehive. He is undergoing questioning but no charges have been filed against the detainee.

The latest reports indicated that winds began blowing to the southwest which has been moving the flames in that direction. A perimeter could not be established by firefighters as the fire continues moving.

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