bbc.co.uk navigation

31 August 2012 Last updated at 16:33

Thousands moved as Spain wildfire reaches Marbella

Firefighters try and tackle a blaze near Marbella, Spain.

A huge wildfire in Spain is getting close to the popular holiday resort of Marbella.

Thousands of people have been moved from the area. One person is known to have died.

The hot summer has left many areas of countryside very dry. Nobody is sure how the fire started but strong winds mean the flames are spreading fast.

More than 250 firefighters are battling to control the blaze.

Angel Nozal, the mayor of nearby town Mijas, said: "The fire is horrific, with flames 10 to 15 metres high."

The fire started on Thursday afternoon near Malaga.

It spread eight miles down the coast overnight and some homes have been burned down.

More on This Story

  • Watch NewsroundWatch Newsround

    Watch the latest update from Newsround, CBBC's news programme for children.

BBC © 2013 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.