A wildfire burning near several residential developments in San Roque has sparked concern among emergency services.

Dozens of firefighters and aircraft are battling to bring the blaze under control before nightfall.

In a statement at 7pm, San Roque town hall said: ‘A forest fire has broken out shortly before 4pm this Wednesday in areas near the road connecting San Roque Town to Pinar del Rey, in the area known as Pasada Honda.

‘The mayor, Juan Carlos Ruiz Boix, has asked the population for ‘maximum caution’ and to avoid approaching the affected area, where several homes have been evacuated as a preventive measure.’

According to the INFOCA wildfire service, the main concern is not the wind, which is currently favourable for firefighting efforts, but the fire’s location beneath a network of high-voltage power lines.

Although the nearest housing developments are not immediately adjacent to the flames, officials are monitoring the situation closely.

INFOCA has significantly increased its response since the blaze was first declared.

Around 55 firefighters are now on the ground, including 35 forest firefighters across five crews and 20 members of specialist BRICA units.

They are supported by three operations technicians, an environmental officer, two fire engines and nine aerial resources, including helicopters and amphibious water-bombing aircraft.

As a precaution, 112 Andalucia has urged residents in the area to keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke entering their homes.

People have also been advised not to travel to the affected area and to take extra care of vulnerable groups, particularly children, elderly people and those with respiratory conditions.

The cause of the fire has not yet been established and firefighting operations remain ongoing.