The Bejis fire burning in eastern Spain grew to over 73 square miles (19,000 hectares) overnight into August 19, El Pais reported.

The fire rapidly expanded on its southern flank around the Cueva Santa Monastery near Altura, the local emergency service said. The fire advanced more slowly in other areas, the service said.

Footage posted by local firefighters showed ground and air efforts to halt the spread of the fire near Altura on August 18.

Officials told Actualitat Valencia that the spread of the fire had slowed on August 19, but that could be temporary dependent on changes in wind direction. Credit: Bombers Dipcas via Storyful