BARCELONA: A wildfire that broke out in the Andalusian province of Huelva, in southwestern Spain, remained active Sunday, prompting the evacuation of 470 locals as a precaution.
Authorities expressed optimism that they are managing to control a blaze which has so far affected some 8,000 hectares, not all of which have been burnt.
“The fire remains complex. We still have work to do and a tough day ahead, involving a great deal of intervention, but today we are somewhat more optimistic,” said the Andalucia region’s minister for emergencies, Antonio Sanz.
Around 500 firefighters aided by waterbombing planes have been deployed to keep the blaze at Niebla, some 70 kilometers (45 miles) from the border with Portugal, at bay.
Spain is enduring a tough summer for wildfires, with around three dozen blazes having forced the evacuation of thousands of people, especially in the center of the country.
