Members of the Infoca Plan have managed to stabilise a forest fire declared this afternoon in the Cerro del Águila area, in Colmenar. The fire, which mobilised 34 ground firefighters and seven aerial resources, has not caused damage to urban or agricultural areas.
A total of 34 forest firefighters from the Infoca Plan have been working since 17:50 on Sunday to control a fire declared in the Cerro del Águila area, within the municipality of Colmenar. The operation, which included seven aerial resources and a fire engine, has managed to stabilise the fire in just over an hour, according to sources from the operation.
The aerial resources deployed included a light helicopter, a medium helicopter, and a heavy helicopter, along with two ground-loading planes, a light amphibious aircraft, and a coordination aircraft. Additional units from the Provincial Fire Consortium from Colmenar and Antequera will join to assist with cooling and monitoring efforts.
The mayor of Colmenar, José Martín, explained that the flames were located in an area of low scrub, with no damage reported in urbanised or agricultural areas. “There are no incidents,” stated the mayor, who confirmed that two preventive evacuations of residents took place, although they have since been able to return to their homes.
The fire was stabilised by 19:00, as there were no active fronts allowing the flames to advance. The operation continues to cool the area to prevent re-ignition, on an afternoon that has been particularly challenging in the province of Málaga, where another fire in the capital, in the Arroyo España area, was controlled after being declared around 14:10.
This fire in Colmenar adds to a particularly dark summer regarding forest fires across Spain. Active fronts in Madrid, Ávila, and Toledo have forced the evacuation of around 90,000 people. In Andalusia, the Los Gallardos disaster (Almería) has claimed 13 lives, while the recent fire in Árchez, which spread towards Cómpeta and Canillas de Albaida, destroyed agricultural areas and necessitated preventive evacuations. In Benahavís, over 2,000 residents were evacuated and 300 confined due to a fire near the Botanical Park.
For the residents of Colmenar, the rapid response from Infoca has been key in preventing a tragedy. The affected area, consisting of low scrub and brush, did not threaten homes or crops, although the proximity of the flames created moments of tension. The mayor has thanked the efforts of the responders and urged caution due to the high temperatures and drought that favour the spread of fires.
Extinguishing efforts continue with cooling of the area to ensure no hot spots remain. It is expected that in the coming hours, the responders will be able to declare the fire completely controlled. Meanwhile, residents in the area are advised to take extra safety measures and avoid any activities that could generate fire.
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