A forest fire which started at around 14:00 in La Riba (Tarragona) has forced the closure of the AVE rail link between Madrid and Barcelona as well as the normal rail service which passes through the town.
First estimates put the damaged area at 200 hectares and 70 people have had to be evacuated as a precautionary measure. Seventy people were moved from the Almogàvers shelter and a further five were evacuated from El Refugi Els Masets. The evacuees, none of whom were injured, were taken to La Farena.
The fire started at km 2.5 on the TV-7044 and forced the closure of this road as well as the C-14 between Alcover and Vilaverd.
Thirteen helicopters and two water bombers are assisting the grounf forces fighting the blaze which, due to strong winds, is proving difficult to control.