More than 500 people were evacuated from the Comabella and Granera areas in Spain's northeastern Catalonia region as a security measure while the fire, which has already destroyed 750 hectares (1,900 acres), raged on.

Around 50 fire engines and 17 aircraft were involved in trying to put the flames out.

The fire is thought to have started in an oak forest in the Sant Llorens de Munt i l'Obac national park.

TERRA.WIRE