The forest fire declared this Friday in Árchez has been stabilised after forcing the neighbouring municipality of Cómpeta to be confined for more than five hours. The residents of the locality have been able to return to their homes, although some areas remain evacuated.
The forest fire that broke out on Friday afternoon in the municipality of Árchez was stabilised at 23:40, according to the Vice President of the Junta de Andalucía and Minister of Presidency, Health and Emergencies, Antonio Sanz. The flames, which originated in a difficult-to-access area, forced the confinement of the neighbouring town of Cómpeta, which has about 4,400 registered inhabitants, for more than five hours.
The confinement was lifted at 20:50, allowing residents of Cómpeta who were outside the municipality to return to their homes. The Town Hall confirmed that the return could be made "with total normality", although it warned that some areas remain restricted.
Evacuations and Affected Areas
The fire prompted the evacuation of 162 people from homes scattered across the localities of Árchez, Cómpeta and Canillas de Albaida. Fortunately, no personal injuries have been reported. However, residents of the areas of El Atajo, Loma de Árchez and Las Zorreras will not be able to return to their homes during the night of Friday, according to the Town Hall.
For these individuals, the Town Hall has provided alternative accommodation and offers the necessary assistance. Emergency teams are working to ensure their safety and assess the material damage to the affected homes.
Extinction Device and Thanks
The Infoca Plan deployed a large operation that, in its latest update, included 105 ground personnel, two fire engines, a mobile meteorology unit, and a medical unit. Aerial resources were withdrawn at sunset, but control efforts continue throughout the night.
Antonio Sanz thanked on social media the work of the firefighting teams and the "exemplary behaviour" of the local residents. "The coordination between administrations and citizen collaboration have been key to stabilising the fire without any casualties," highlighted the minister.
For residents of the Axarquía region, this fire has been a reminder of the high risk of forest fires in summer. High temperatures and prolonged drought mean that any carelessness can trigger a fire with serious consequences. Authorities remind the importance of taking extra precautions in the countryside and avoiding any activity that could generate sparks or flames.
The emergency device will remain active throughout the night to monitor possible flare-ups and ensure the complete extinction of the fire. It is expected that in the coming hours it can be declared controlled and subsequently extinguished. Residents of the evacuated areas will have to wait for technicians to assess the safety of the homes before they can return.
Meanwhile, the Town Hall of Cómpeta has set up a helpline for those affected and recommends following the instructions of emergency services. Normality is gradually returning to the locality, although the tension from the hours of confinement is still palpable in the atmosphere.
