The worst forest fire since 2001 was eventually extinguished in the San Juan area yesterday after a day long struggle. When the alarm was given at 9.30 am all the fire protection resources the island has were called to the scene to try and assuage the flames in what is predominantly a newly forested area.
It soon became apparent that more fire fighters were needed to control and extinguish the inferno so reinforcements were called in from Mallorca and the mainland. In total 90 people were involved in putting out the fire with help from 3 helicopters and 7 planes in a largely inaccessible area.
About 35 hectares of woods went up in smoke, the worst incident since 100 hectares were destroyed in Sa Talaia de Sant Vicent four years ago. Neighbours in the area are pointing the finger of suspicion at the participants in an illegal ‘rave’ which was held in the area the previous night, though as yet there is no definite proof of who or what provoked the fire.