Hundreds of firefighters have been battling a series of wildfires across Andalucia overnight, with blazes stretching from the Costa del Sol to Almeria.
The most serious emergencies remain in Benahavis and Los Gallardos (Almeria), where strong winds, extreme temperatures and tinder-dry vegetation have created dangerous conditions for firefighters and forced evacuations.
The wave of fires comes after Andalucía endured another spell of intense heat, with authorities repeatedly warning that much of the region is facing an extreme risk of wildfire.
Costa del Sol blaze forces evacuations
On the Costa del Sol, more than 100 people were evacuated after a fast-moving wildfire broke out near Montemayor, between Estepona and Benahavís.
The fire spread rapidly towards the Parque Botanico Country Club urbanisation, prompting the activation of Emergency Level 1 plans, while sections of the AP-7 motorway were temporarily closed as flames approached the road.
Around 110 ground personnel, supported by helicopters, firefighting aircraft and specialist vehicles, have continued working through the evening in an effort to protect homes and contain the blaze.
Almeria fire still threatening homes
Further east, one of the largest firefighting operations in Almeria this summer remains underway around Los Gallardos and Bedar, where flames have come dangerously close to residential areas.
More than 50 residents were evacuated earlier on Thursday as the wildfire spread towards several hamlets, with one person suffering burns.
EMA INFOCA confirmed late on Thursday evening that firefighters were concentrating efforts on defending Pinar de Bedar, where gusts of up to 50km/h continued to drive the fire.
The wildfire remains under Emergency Situation Operative 1, meaning extraordinary measures are required to protect the population.
Authorities believe the blaze was likely sparked after an electrical cable fell near the N-340.
Jaen blaze stabilised
There was better news from Santa Elena (Jaen), where EMA INFOCA announced at 9.20pm that the wildfire had been stabilised.
A stabilised fire means it is evolving favourably and no longer has active fronts spreading freely, although it has not yet been brought under control and crews remain on scene.
Earlier in the day the operation involved 55 firefighters on the ground, four fire engines, several helicopters, amphibious aircraft and a medical unit.
Fire declared in Granada
Firefighters were also mobilised to a new wildfire in Albolote (Granada) on Thursday evening.
EMA INFOCA dispatched a light helicopter, a forest firefighting crew and a fire engine shortly after the blaze was declared.
No evacuations have been reported there so far, but footage shared online showed smoke billowing near to homes.
Fortunately, it was declared ‘stabilised’ shortly before 11pm.
Dangerous start to Andalucia’s wildfire season
The simultaneous emergencies underline the increasingly difficult start to Andalucia’s wildfire season.
Only days ago, firefighters were battling another major blaze in Grazalema (Cadiz), while large fires have already scorched thousands of hectares elsewhere in Spain during an exceptionally hot start to summer.
Firefighters were expected to remain on the front lines throughout the night as they work to prevent the fires from spreading further amid continuing high temperatures and gusty winds.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
