The forest fire declared this Sunday in Benahavís, in Málaga, has forced the adoption of protective measures for the population in light of the advance of the flames. The urban area remains confined preventively along with other areas of the municipality, while evacuations have occurred in the Monte Mayor area.
The Emergency Agency of Andalusia has sent an ES-Alert message to the neighbors and the emergency is in operational situation 1. The fire began to mobilize resources after the first alerts received by 112 around 12:40 PM and was declared during the early hours of the afternoon.
The operation has continued to grow throughout the day. The latest reported balance raises the deployment to 11 helicopters, 11 planes, and 105 forest firefighters. Two people have been injured, one of them with burns and a firefighter during a fall.
What areas are affected by the Benahavís fire
The preventive confinement affects the urban area of Benahavís, scattered areas, and the La Coja urbanization. Evacuations have also been ordered in Monte Mayor due to the evolution of the fire.
The A-7175 has suffered restrictions to facilitate the passage of emergency vehicles. The easterly wind, with gusts reaching 50 kilometers per hour, and the topography are hindering the firefighting efforts.
What residents should do after receiving the ES-Alert
Emergency services have asked residents of the confined areas to remain in homes or buildings, close doors and windows, and avoid exposure to smoke. The instructions pay special attention to children, the elderly, and the sick.
112 also requests that no one approach the affected area and that the instructions of emergency services be followed at all times.
A reinforced operation throughout the afternoon
The initial deployment communicated by the Infoca Plan was 15 aerial resources and 60 forest firefighters, but resources have increased as the fire progressed.
The efforts are concentrated on containing the areas with the greatest spread and protecting inhabited areas. The situation may change in the coming hours depending on the wind and the evolution of the perimeter.