LIVE UPDATES: Forest fires cause evacuations in Costa Blanca

Spanish firefighters are battling for a second night a huge forest blaze on the Costa Blanca that has forced the evacuation of thousands of people including tourists.

Up to eight blazes have been reported, with the towns of Moixent, Arenal and Benitatxell having to deal with the fire. See the latest on our interactive map.

43 army personnel with 22 vehicles have joined the dozens of Firefighters from around the region in tackling the fires.

More than 300 firefighters have been deployed to tackle the fire, and the army were deployed in an effort to bring the fires under control.

Three fires were deliberately started on one of the hottest days of the year, emergency authorities have said.

The fire became more severe on Monday afternoon and moved toward populated areas in Cumbre del Sol, which authorities also evacuated.

Local restaurants and bars have been thanked for their contribution, providing supplies of food and water for those who were staying in shelters overnight.

The warm weather hindered operations, although it is hoped that the weather today will improve, providing emergency services a strong window of opportunity to bring the last of the fires under control.

On Sunday eight firefighting aircraft were scrambled, and worked until darkness in trying to bring the fires under control.

Homes were evacuated as the fires spread, as well as roads closed to the public.

The fires are not being helped by the warm weather, an amber weather alert was issued for high temperatures on Monday, with the thermometer expected to reach up to 39oC in places.

The warm spell will continue for the next few days, before temperatures dropping to their seasonal average.

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