Hundreds of firefighters were struggling to contain a wildfire in northeastern Spain that has spread over 5,500 hectares (13,590 acres) and forced the evacuation of 53 residents.
A Spanish military unit with 120 specialists joined local firefighters who had worked overnight to control the blaze that sent thick plumes of smoke over hilly terrain near the Ebro River.
Read:Â Heatwave puts Italy and France on highest weather alert
The fire comes amid a heatwave that is boosting temperatures across Europe.
Television images showed horses and sheep incinerated on a farm that had stood in the path of the fire.
Five roads were closed to traffic in the rural area which is about 120 kilometres (75 miles) west of Barcelona.
Large parts of western and central Europe were sweltering in scorching weather, as authorities warned temperatures could top 40C (104F) in parts of the continent over coming days as a plume of dry, hot air moves north from Africa.
Firefighters said that temperatures over 30C (86F), low humidity, and high winds had fanned the wildfire flames.
Related:Â France put on hot weather alert as heatwave reaches Europe
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