A significant wildfire broke out Sunday afternoon near the Spanish village of Benahavis, a popular tourist destination on the Costa del Sol known for attracting wealthy British visitors and expatriates.
The blaze began around 1:41 p.m. local time near the Ermita del Rosario area. A large column of smoke was visible from coastal beaches.
More than 100 firefighters, supported by at least 11 helicopters and 11 airplanes, were deployed to combat the flames. Emergency services declared Level One Emergency shortly after efforts to control the fire commenced.
Civil Protection officials issued an ES-Alert message to residents and visitors in Benahavis, advising them to shelter indoors, close windows and doors, and follow the instructions of emergency services.
One person sustained burns while attempting to extinguish the fire, and a firefighter was injured after a fall during operations, according to local media reports. A luxury residential estate, Montemayor Alto, which comprises approximately 125 villas, was evacuated.
Gusts of wind reaching up to 50 km/h (30 mph) were recorded and were expected to continue, potentially hampering firefighting efforts.
This incident recalls a previous wildfire near Benahavis in June 2022, which necessitated the evacuation of 2,000 people and resulted in injuries to three firefighters.
Benahavis is a frequent destination for Sunday lunches among British tourists and expats. Notably, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson vacationed in a residence located just outside the village during his premiership.