A wildfire that broke out in Mijas on Friday night may have been caused by football fans celebrating Spain’s 2-1 victory over Belgium, it has emerged.

Mijas town hall identified fireworks or firecrackers as a possible cause following claims made by local witnesses of supporters letting them off near the affected area.

Flames were visible from several kilometres away as emergency services raced to contain the blaze.

Videos shared on social media show a large fire burning on a hillside close to homes, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky.

One witness wrote on X: ‘Fire right now in Mijas. It appears to be near Cerros del Aguila.

‘The fire station is open with sirens sounding and at least one fire engine is heading towards the mountain.

‘It’s very close to the houses. It looks frightening even from a distance.’

According to Mijas Town Hall, the scrubland fire started on the eastern side of Cerrado del Aguila and was brought under control at around 2.30am after a major overnight operation.

Three fire engines from Mijas Fire Brigade, two water tankers, Local Police officers and the Guardia Civil were deployed to the scene.

Later, the regional 112 emergency service also mobilised reinforcements from Fuengirola’s fire brigade.

The priority for firefighters was preventing the blaze from jumping the road surrounding the hill and reaching neighbouring plots and homes.

The fire had already been stabilised by around 1.40am, before the officer in charge confirmed it was under control at 2.28am.

Part of the emergency operation was then stood down, although crews remained at the scene carrying out damping-down operations.

The town hall said a possible cause, suggested by residents in the area, was fireworks or firecrackers set off following Spain’s World Cup quarter-final victory over Belgium.