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The Junta’s delegate in Malaga, Patricia Navarro, has activated Level 1 of the regional government’s Emergency Plan for Forest Fires at 3.34 am this Thursday morning (8 September) after several huge forest fires were reported in the Sierra Bermeja last night.
The Level 1 plan is activated when, due to the wildfires possible evolution, measures may need to implemented to protect people and property.
The 112 emergency service control room answered the first of more than a hundred calls at 9.37 pm warning of fires affecting several municipalities in the area: Jubrique, Genalguacil and Estepona.
Immediately, the Guardia Civil, Malaga Provincial firefighters, the Andalusian Emergency Group (GREA), Local Police, National Police were alerted and were joined by Civil Protection volunteers from Estepona.
Infoca put 200 specialist forest firefighting personnel on the ground, drafting them in from other provinces including Cádiz, Córdoba, Granada, Jaén and Seville. At sunrise, when light conditions allow, eight aircraft will join the efforts to get the blaze under control.
As a precaution, residents were evacuated in the Forest Hill and Las Abejeras areas on the coast, as well as a petrol station on the AP-7 in Estepona. A sports centre in the town has opened its doors to house those who need accommodation.
The Guardia Civil Guard has reported that the MA-8301 road from Estepona and the MA-8302 from Jubrique have been closed. The emergency services reminds drivers to drive with caution and follow the instructions of the authorities in the area at all times.
The Estepona Municipal Emergency Plan (PEM) has been activated.
