Emergency services from the Infoca Plan, provincial firefighters, and Marbella firefighters have been working since 17:15 to control the flames of a burning truck on the AP-7 near Benahavís. The DGT has closed the road in both directions due to the risk of fire spreading to the nearby forest.
A burning truck in the middle of the AP-7 on the Costa del Sol has caused a spectacular black smoke plume that raised alarms on Monday afternoon. The risk of flames spreading to the nearby forest area has mobilised numerous emergency services.
Mobilisation of personnel and aerial resources
Due to the severity of the incident, personnel from the Infoca Plan, accompanied by the Provincial Fire Consortium and Marbella firefighters, have been on the ground since 17:15. The fire broke out at kilometre 1064 of the motorway, in the municipality of Estepona, very close to Benahavís.
The advance of the flames has necessitated an increase in deployed resources. Currently, two helicopters (one light and one medium) are working in the area, along with 26 ground personnel and a fire engine. The dense smoke column is visible from several kilometres away, causing concern among drivers and residents in the area.
Complete closure of the AP-7 in both directions
The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has reported the closure of all lanes of the road in both directions at kilometre 1064. This point is located in the municipality of Estepona, although the incident occurred very close to the border with Benahavís. Drivers in the area have had to divert to alternative routes, causing delays on secondary roads.
For residents of the Western Costa del Sol, the closure of the AP-7 represents a significant disruption during peak traffic hours. Many drivers returning home after work have encountered the surprise closure and have had to seek alternative routes via the N-340 road or local paths. The DGT recommends avoiding the area and checking road conditions before undertaking any travel.
Risk of forest fire and Infoca's response
The proximity of the burning truck to an area of scrub and trees has activated the forest fire prevention protocol. The Infoca Plan has deployed its aerial and ground resources to prevent the flames from spreading to vegetation, which could trigger a larger fire during a high-risk period like summer.
The weather conditions in the afternoon, with high temperatures and low humidity, do not help. Fortunately, the wind is not blowing strongly in the area, which facilitates extinguishing efforts. Firefighters are working to cool the vehicle and prevent the truck's fuel from igniting the flames. The cause of the fire is currently unknown and will be investigated once emergency services manage to control the situation.
This incident recalls other vehicle fires on the AP-7 in recent months, although this time the proximity to the forest has raised the alert level. Residents of Benahavís and Estepona are closely monitoring the situation, hoping that the road can reopen as soon as possible.
Emergency services continue to work in the area, and the closure of the AP-7 is expected to last several hours until the safety of the road is ensured and the fire is completely extinguished. Drivers are advised to use alternative routes and follow the instructions of the DGT and the Traffic Civil Guard.
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