Valencia, Spain  - A wildfire forced the evacuation of about 20 people overnight in eastern Spain, emergency services said Wednesday.

The 20 were evacuated preventatively from the village of Villalonga as flames were moving through pine forest and bush towards their country houses.

The fire, which was fanned by wind, was believed to have been sparked by lightning.

Wildfires have consumed more than 80,000 hectares this year in Spain and Portugal. (dpa)