A wildfire that tore through protected land in Murcia has been stabilised, authorities confirmed Sunday.
The devastating inferno in the Cabo Tiñoso region is expected to be brought fully under control after two helicopters were roped into the battle.
Early estimates suggest between 80 and 90 hectares have been scorched. Access roads to Cabo Tiñoso remain closed to avoid hampering the emergency operation.
Investigators believe the fire began at a pylon beside the road leading up to the old coastal batteries.
A fallen cable was discovered at the scene, and technicians from Iberdrola attended alongside fire investigators.
Fanned by strong overnight winds, the flames spread mainly west-southwest. The main front settled near Cala Cerrada, an area of pine woodland.
Around half of that zone is thought to have been affected, although commanders say, remarkably, the treetops did not ignite.
The fire came within metres of the historic Atalayon battery and mobile phone masts near the Cerro de los Siete Cucanes, some 400 metres above sea level.
Cartagena’s Councillor for Public Safety, Jose Ramon Llorca, described tense moments overnight.
‘There was a point when it seemed the fire was heading towards the Torre de Santa Elena and we warned residents to be ready in case evacuation was needed,’ he said.
At one stage, evacuations were considered in Campillo de Adentro, and keys were requested for community buildings in Isla Plana and La Azohia.
In the end, only one precautionary evacuation took place when around 60 caravans parked in the La Azohía rambla were cleared.
A couple who had travelled to the area by sea to spend Valentine’s night were evacuated at 2.30am by the Guardia Civil from Lorca. Their car, left above the shoreline, was not damaged.
For now, crews remain on high alert around Cala Cerrada, where small pockets of fire are still being tackled. But officials say the worst has passed.
The Sierra de la Muela, Cabo Tiñoso, and Monte Roldán mountain range is a natural area frequented year-round by hikers and walkers.
