The fire, declared between Estepona and Benahavís, has forced the evacuation of around a hundred people from the Four Seasons apartments and several scattered homes. The AP-7 has been closed and Infoca has mobilised 180 personnel.
The forest fire declared on Thursday afternoon between the municipalities of Estepona and Benahavís has necessitated the preventive evacuation of around a hundred people from the Four Seasons apartments and several scattered homes in Benahavís, as well as in the area of the Botanical Country Club. The fire started around 5:00 PM in the Montemayor area and has generated a large column of smoke visible from various points along the Costa del Sol.
Emergency response and traffic disruptions
The Benahavís Town Hall has set up the municipal sports pavilion to accommodate the evacuated residents, and the Red Cross is already assisting those affected. At this time, the fire remains active and nearly 180 personnel are working to stabilise it, managing to contain the perimeter by 60%. The proximity of the flames to the motorway necessitated the temporary closure of the AP-7, causing significant traffic delays on one of the main roads of the Costa del Sol. The road was reopened around 9:00 PM, but authorities insist on avoiding unnecessary travel in the area.
The Junta de Andalucía has elevated the Infoca Plan to emergency phase, operational situation 1, which involves the need to protect people and non-forest property. Ground personnel, fire engines, a medical unit, and numerous aerial resources are participating in the firefighting efforts, aiming to control the advance of the flames and protect nearby inhabited areas.
Recommendations for residents and weather forecast
Emergency services are urging citizens not to approach the affected area and to follow official instructions at all times. For residents in Benahavís and surrounding areas, the main recommendation is to remain alert to warnings from authorities and to have an evacuation plan prepared in case it becomes necessary. The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has issued a yellow warning for high temperatures in the Costa del Sol, Guadalhorce, and Axarquía for this Friday, with temperatures potentially exceeding 35 degrees, complicating firefighting efforts.
The fire occurs during a heatwave, with the province of Málaga on alert for high temperatures and terral winds. Evacuated residents have been relocated to the municipal pavilion, where they are receiving assistance. It is expected that throughout the night, personnel will continue working to achieve total stabilisation of the fire, while tomorrow damage will be assessed and residents may return to their homes if conditions allow.
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