Dozens evacuated as wildfire threatens homes near Orihuela Costa golf resort

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The huge blaze broke out in scrub land near the well-known Las Ramblas Golf Course

Dozens evacuated as wildfire threatens homes near Orihuela Costa golf resort

A huge wildfire caused quite a scare on Sunday evening, May 11, near the Las Ramblas Golf Club in Orihuela Costa, prompting emergency services to step in quickly to protect nearby homes. The fire started at around 6pm in dry scrubland near the Tajo-Segura canal and spread rapidly through the dry vegetation.

With several residential areas close by, officials activated Level 1 of the Special Plan for Forest Fires as a precaution. Thankfully, while the flames came dangerously close to homes, no injuries or property damage have been reported.

Fire crews from Torrevieja and Almoradí were on the scene along with air support, which helped slow down the fire. The aerial units were pulled back just before 9pm once things were under control, but ground crews continued working to make sure everything was fully contained and no lingering hot spots reignited.

Around 50 people from the Loira homeowners' community were evacuated as a safety measure. In total, a large team of firefighters, local police, Civil Protection and emergency responders were involved in the operation, with backup from several specialised units.

The Red Cross also activated their emergency team and set up a shelter nearby, just in case anyone needed a safe place to stay overnight.

While the situation is now stable, authorities are keeping an eye on the area and residents are being urged to stay alert and follow official updates.

In June last year, a wildfire erupted in an area of heavy vegetation between the Las Ramblas and Campoamor golf clubs and threatened dozens of nearby homes.

Even more frighteningly, just as emergency teams were winding down, the fire spontaneously reignited, much to the horror of local residents. Thankfully, it was quickly brought under control and nobody was injured.

In other news: Alicante bans firework displays outside official festival dates

Images: Unidos X La Costa

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