Media: Wildfire in Catalonia ravages over 1,500 hectares, forces evacuations

MADRID, July 8 (KUNA) -- A raging wildfire in northern Spain has destroyed more than 1,500 hectares of forests and woodland, and it continues to spread rapidly, Spanish state television reported, Tuesday. The blaze, which broke out late Monday in Tarragona province in the Catalonia, is being driven by strong winds reaching speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour and is primarily affecting a natural park located in a mountainous area, the report said.
Civil protection authorities have ordered more than 1,900 residents in seven nearby towns to remain indoors, while around 50 people have been evacuated as a precaution.
Several main roads in the area have been closed, and nearly 250 firefighters are fighting the blaze.
Meanwhile, a second wildfire has erupted in province Lleida, also in Catalonia, burning through 35 hectares on agricultural land before being contain after a 10-hours efforts- according to regional authorities. (end) asj.sar