Firefighters are battling a major wildfire in Spain's Guadalajara province, north of Madrid, where thousands of hectares have burned and more than 1,200 residents have been forced to leave their homes.

Video shows crews creating firebreaks, tackling the flames with hoses and receiving support from water-dropping aircraft.

Ground crews and aircraft continued to tackle hotspots as smoke drifted across the scorched landscape.

Spanish authorities said the wildfire has burned about 29,000 hectares and is one of the most challenging fires they have faced.