A Spanish journalist has described how the fire rapidly consumed the two adjoined

blocks.

Paco Polit told the BBC World Service's Newsday programme: "It's officially the
worst fire suffered in the city of Valencia, I would say, ever.

"It expanded, and suddenly engulfed the whole building."

Polit told the programme that "many questions" are now being asked about how the
buildings were constructed, and "the whole city is in shock at this moment".

Resistance to fire is classified using a European grade, ranging from A1 and A2

(better), to E (worst).

Manufacturers produce some versions which are classified A2, making them more
likely to resist the spread of fire.

As was the case at Grenfell, there are also versions rated D, or even E in some
tests, which have now been banned for high-rise buildings in the UK.

to enter, even though most of the fire is out.

For the moment they are busy dousing the blackened remains of the building to cool
it down, but flames have been seen reigniting at the rear so it could take some time.

Firefighters did manage to rescue some of the building's residents last night, and
several were injured doing so, but Spanish media say they could not reach the top
two floors in the 14-floor apartment blocks.

Drones have spent the night and this morning flying over and around the structure to
help with the search.

And it's not just firefighters who are trying to get into the wrecked buildings. Spain's
forensic police are waiting to go in with them to find out what caused Valencia's
worst fire on record, and why it spread so fast with such deadly consequences.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has just been speaking from Valencia, where
he thanked the emergency services, particularly firefighters, for their essential work.

His government, he said, is there to provide "all types of support" for the immediate
rescue operation, and clarify what happened.
The priority right now is the search for victims, Sanchez said, and the safety of those
involved in the rescue.

The PM made just a brief appearance. He said he was moved by the wave of
solidarity and empathy he had witnessed across the Campanar neighbourhood and
the wider city.

Spanish media reports say firefighters who have worked all morning trying to cool
the buildings have now been able to go inside - though only up to the third storey
due to the intensity of the temperatures.

New details are emerging about the sheer ferocity of the fire, which spread
throughout the two buildings in just half an hour.

El Pais reports that one firefighter had to jump from the seventh floor onto a mat.

Others reached the 12th floor - the buildings had 14 - and were able to rescue
residents.

The Spanish outlet reports that six of those firefighters received psychological
treatment afterwards.

Emergency workers are known to be among nine people taken to hospital, local
media say. Seven firefighters have been treated and five are in hospital. Their status
is not believed to be critical.