- Home » Expat News » Three Spanish teenagers arrested for starting Costa Blanca fires
Three Spanish teenagers arrested for starting Costa Blanca fires
| Published: | 7 Sep at 6 PM |
Want to get involved?
Become a Featured Expat and take our interview.
Become a Local Expert and contribute articles.
Get in touch today!
Become a Local Expert and contribute articles.
Get in touch today!
Local reports of the arrest of three teenagers accused of starting the blazes have confirmed police reasonings that arson was the cause of the devastating Costa Blanca fires.
After Sunday night’s evacuation of several thousand people including expat residents and tourists, police and firefighters became convinced the three separate blazes were the work of arsonists. Local sources have now confirmed the arrest of three 15-year old Spaniards, although no official announcement by the authorities has yet been made.
Although the fires threatening a number of the town’s residential developments have now been dealt with, the massive blaze is still firmly entrenched in Granadella National Park. The first fires were seen at 4.10 pm on Sunday, the second took hold just over two hours later in Granadella and the third conflagration began in Playa del Arenal a further two hours later.
The timing of the three blazes led officials to suggest the fires were deliberately set on the hottest day of the year.
Many homeowners and visitors are still staying in shelters in the town or with friends in safe areas, with at least two dozen homes reported to be destroyed. More reports of destruction are expected as many evacuated residents have yet to return to their homes. At present, over 200 firefighters, 65 vehicles and aircraft are still fighting the blazes in the National Park.
One 93-year old expat pensioner from the UK suffered a panic attack and became violent when Civil Guard officers going door to door tried to get him to leave his home. The officers managed to calm him down and get him to safety as the flames soared behind his house.
It’s not known yet how long it will take firefighters to deal with the blaze in the National Park, as strong winds are still blowing sparks across the forests, igniting yet more terrain. Officials in the region are now calling the arson an act of environmental terrorism for its deadly effect on the region’s natural heritage as well as its threat to many lives, homes and businesses.
After Sunday night’s evacuation of several thousand people including expat residents and tourists, police and firefighters became convinced the three separate blazes were the work of arsonists. Local sources have now confirmed the arrest of three 15-year old Spaniards, although no official announcement by the authorities has yet been made.
Although the fires threatening a number of the town’s residential developments have now been dealt with, the massive blaze is still firmly entrenched in Granadella National Park. The first fires were seen at 4.10 pm on Sunday, the second took hold just over two hours later in Granadella and the third conflagration began in Playa del Arenal a further two hours later.
The timing of the three blazes led officials to suggest the fires were deliberately set on the hottest day of the year.
Many homeowners and visitors are still staying in shelters in the town or with friends in safe areas, with at least two dozen homes reported to be destroyed. More reports of destruction are expected as many evacuated residents have yet to return to their homes. At present, over 200 firefighters, 65 vehicles and aircraft are still fighting the blazes in the National Park.
One 93-year old expat pensioner from the UK suffered a panic attack and became violent when Civil Guard officers going door to door tried to get him to leave his home. The officers managed to calm him down and get him to safety as the flames soared behind his house.
It’s not known yet how long it will take firefighters to deal with the blaze in the National Park, as strong winds are still blowing sparks across the forests, igniting yet more terrain. Officials in the region are now calling the arson an act of environmental terrorism for its deadly effect on the region’s natural heritage as well as its threat to many lives, homes and businesses.
Comments » No published comments just yet for this article...
Feel free to have your say on this item. Go on... be the first!
