Mijas mountain fire fanned by wind, at least 200 people evacuated

(Photo: diariosur.es)

COSTA DEL SOL / Mijas (Agencies) Fire broke out on the Serranía de Mijas last night at about 8.30pm. Once again, and again at night. The strong Levante (Easterly) wind fanned the flames, spreading the fire along the mountain range. Some 200 people had to be evacuated from their homes outside the town itself, including a drug rehab centre, all of whom were taken to Las Lagunas sports centre, where they spent the night. Two large urbanizations, La Mairena and La Buganvilla, on the borders of  Mijas, Marbella and Ojén were also evacuated.>>>IF YOU FIND THIS ARTICLE INTERESTING, USEFUL OR ENTERTAINING, PLEASE CONSIDER THE WORK, EFFORT AND COST IT TAKES TO BRING IT TO YOU. WE WOULD APPRECIATE A DONATION TO CONTINUE A FREE SERVICE.

 

Mijas was holding its annual feria, which brought innumerable curious to watch the scene. The area is mainly used for farming; cattle transport vehicles could be seen hurrying through the smoke in attempts at rescuing extremely alarmed animals from the mountainside. Although the cause and true extent of the fire had yet to be determined last night (we will follow it up), it was reported that firefighters from Mijas, Fuengirola, Benalmádena, Coín, Torremolinos, Marbella and Málaga were called in, as well as from the Provincial Firefighter Consortium. Cádiz and Granada also sent in specialized units to battle the flames.

It is expected that daylight will make the battle easier as planes and helicopters can now come into use.

This is not the first time fire has broken out in this area. Ten years ago a similar fire has left scars that have yet to heal, especially in the memory of those affected by it. In July 2001, fire devastated some 1,000 hectares, over half of the forest. It is widely believed that it was arson and the same cause is attributed to today's.