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Suspicion over cause of forest fires in Mallorca
A total of 110 fires have been reported in the Balearic Islands this summer with three breaking out in Mallorca on Thursday alone. The worst was in Costa d'en Blanes, Calvia. Emergency services fought long and hard to extinguish the fire with dozens of helicopters and planes called in to drop water on trouble areas.
Seventeen families were evacuated as part of an emergency operation by the Guardia Civil which saw affected areas closed off and access, both in and out, blocked. It was not until 10 am on Sunday that the fire was officially extinguished with the blaze destroying a total of 32 hectares.
Statistics indicate that between 30-35% of fires that occur each year are accidental, between 55-60% are caused by negligence and just 10% are caused by natural causes such as lightning. Where negligence can be proven individuals are fined and charged for resultant damage.
Investigators have found no obvious cause for the Casa d'en Blanes fire. Officials are increasingly suspicious as there a number of factors linking the current spate of fires, including the fact they are starting at around the same time each day, in the same areas. The fire in Costa d'en Blanes is one of six currently under investigation and thought to have been started with intent. The security services have asked the public to report anything suspicious.
