A red alert for extreme wildfire risk is currently active on the Costa del Sol and in several parts of Andalucia.
In post on X, the region’s wildfire service INFOCA warned that Malaga’s coast, the Guadalquivir Valley and easternmost parts of Andalucia are at a ‘very high’ risk of forest infernos.
The warning came before Estepona declared a wildfire at 2.59pm, on the side of the A-7 in the Rio Padron area.
At least two helicopters and multiple ground crews are continuing to battle those flames.
The Costa del Sol and Guadalhorce Valley are under an orange alert for extreme temperatures on Sunday.
The scorching conditions are being caused by the dreaded terral, a dry, hot wind the blows down to the coast from inland areas.
According to state weather agency Aemet, highs are expected to peak at around 39C along the coast, and 40C in inland zones.
INFOCA reminded residents that the highest level of fire risk brings strict restrictions aimed at preventing wildfires.
These include a ban on lighting fires or carrying out activities that could ignite vegetation, leaving marked roads or tracks in forest areas, and throwing cigarette butts or other burning objects from vehicles.
Authorities are urging residents and visitors to take extra care while temperatures remain high, warning that even a single spark could trigger a fast-moving wildfire under the current conditions.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
