The fire started around 1:00 PM at kilometre 1.068 of the AP-7, when a trailer transporting vehicles caught fire and the flames spread to the adjacent vegetation.
A trailer loaded with vehicles burned this Monday at noon on the AP-7 near Estepona, causing a forest fire that forced the motorway to be closed for hours. The incident occurred at kilometre 1.068, in a section where vegetation borders the roadway.
The alert was received by the Emergency Services 112 around 1:00 PM. Several drivers and local residents reported a dense column of smoke rising above the road, visible from various points in the municipality. The protocol for forest fires was immediately activated.
A large emergency response
Emergency crews from the Provincial Fire Consortium, Civil Guard agents, and personnel from the Infoca Plan have been dispatched to the scene. An air tanker has also intervened to contain the spread of the flames from the air, while ground teams work around the perimeter of the fire.
According to sources from 112, the fire started in the truck itself and, due to the proximity of the vegetation, quickly spread to the forested area. So far, no personal injuries have been reported, although the fire has caused significant traffic complications.
Traffic jams of up to 3.5 kilometres
The incident has caused traffic jams of approximately 3.5 kilometres. Initially, it was necessary to completely close the road to facilitate the work of emergency teams. After the first few hours, the left lane has been reopened to traffic, while the right lane remains closed pending the completion of extinguishing tasks and ensuring safety in the area.
Authorities recommend that drivers exercising caution while travelling through this section of the AP-7 and to always heed the instructions of emergency services. Traffic is expected to fully normalise throughout the afternoon, once the fire is controlled.
The incident has generated great interest among the residents of Estepona, who have seen the smoke rising over the mountains. Many have shared images on social media, expressing their concern over the proximity of the fire to inhabited areas. Fortunately, the wind has not been a negative factor, allowing the firefighting teams to work more effectively.
This fire highlights the importance of keeping vegetation clear along roadways, especially in summer when the risk of fires multiplies. For now, authorities have not reported the exact area burned, but it is expected that a more precise estimate will be provided in the coming hours.
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