The picturesque cove of Benirras in the north of Ibiza was the scene of a devastating forest fire yesterday which destroyed around 100 hectares of pine woods. The blaze is now under control thanks to the efforts of Ibiza firemen aided by 100 troops from the Military Emergency Unit and 11 aircraft.
Declared as 'very serious,' the fire was one of the worst in recent years in all the Balearic Islands though only 3 people had to be treated for the effects of smoke inhalation and a total of 24 vehicles in the area were destroyed by the flames. Sources say that houses in the area were never in danger and only one was affected by the heat of the fire.
The main problem caused by the fire was that around 1500 people who were enjoying a Sunday on the beach at Benirras had to be evacuated by boat to nearby Puerto San Miguel as all exits by land from the beach had been cut off.
Obviously the cause of the fire will have to be investigated thoroughly but calls received by the emergency services yesterday mention a 'fiesta' and 'fire for cooking' which has led to speculation that the conflagration was started carelessly.
As of this time firemen are awaiting the arrival of two special aircraft from Madrid to complete the damping down process of the fire.
All of the fascinating photographs we've used are courtesy of Stephen Hare from estate agent www.buyinibiza.com.
