BRITONS’ HOLIDAY INFERNO

Tourists flee hotels and beaches as wildfires engulf the Algarve

THIS was the terrifying scene as a huge wildfire menaced Portugal’s Algarve tourist region and forced holidaymakers to flee their hotels.

Flames engulfed the forests above the town of Monchique as the wind-driven inferno raced through tinder-dry pine and eucalyptus trees.

The fire, which sent plumes of black smoke across beaches popular with British tourists, spread as the country experienced near-record breaking temperatures in the heatwave sweeping large parts of Europe.

More than 1,150 firefighters battled the flames, which left 44 people needing medical assistance and led to the evacuation of homes and hotels. British holidaymakers had to be evacuated from a five-star hotel near Monchique after the fire came within a mile. Hundreds were told to leave the Macdonald Monchique Resort & Spa just after midnight on Sunday.

A hotel worker described the night as ‘rough’, adding: ‘The hotel’s maximum capacity is 500 people and most of our guests at this time of the year are British. Everyone was evacuated safely.’ Monchique is a favourite of former PM David Cameron and his family and they regularly stay at a luxury property close to the market town.

Cars and buildings are said to have been destroyed and villages nearby were evacuated. Firefighters expect cooler weather that has been forecast will help them bring the fire under control.