A whole town is on lockdown while other homes are being evacuated following the outbreak of a forest fire in the Axarquia region of Malaga.

The fast-moving blaze is affecting Archez and surrounding areas and has forced INFOCA to activate its Emergency Level 1 protocols.

All residents of Competa have been instructed to remain inside their homes, keeping doors and windows shut to protect themselves from heavy smoke drifting into the village.

Emergency services have also ordered the evacuation of a number of nearby properties considered to be at risk from the advancing flames.

Meanwhile, the A-7206 road has been closed between kilometre markers 0 and 3, cutting the main route linking Competa with the N-340 coastal road.

Residents have been urged to stay away from the area and strictly follow the instructions of emergency services.

Special care should be taken to protect children, elderly people and other vulnerable residents.

The public has also been warned not to approach the fire or take unnecessary risks.

At the latest update, INFOCA said crews were working to stabilise the fire with a major deployment that includes 80 firefighters on the ground, five helicopters (two light and two semi-heavy aircraft plus one command helicopter), four specialist ground crews, two fire engines, a command unit and a medical unit.

The wildfire comes as Malaga province remains under an orange heat warning, with high temperatures and dry conditions increasing the risk of fires across the region.

The cause of the blaze is unknown.