Forest fires strike Majorca again

Last week it was Costa d'en Blanes which was threatened by flames and yesterday it was woodland between Andratx and Estellencs which caught fire, adding to the mounting pressure the island's fire fighting and emergency services have been under this year.

The alarm was raised at midday and a major operation was mounted.
The Local Police were first at the scene of the fire some six kilometres outside Andratx village with fire fighters, members of the Forestry Commission, the Civil Protection Department and the Guardia Civil not far behind.

Over 70 members of the fire and security services tackled the blaze on the ground while fire fighting aircraft and helicopters battled the blaze from the air, dumping thousands of litres of water on the flames.

Shortly after 3pm, sources for the fire service said that the blaze had been brought “nearly under control” but the strong winds were hampering the operation and making it very difficult for fire fighters to gauge in which direction the flames were going to move next. Fortunately no properties or lives were at risk from the blaze and no house needed to be evacuated. Yesterday evening, teams of spotters remained at the scene to keep an eye on the smouldering ash as the strong northerly winds continued to blow throughout the late afternoon.

A full investigation into the cause of the forest fire has been opened.