A brush fire has been blazing almost out of control in the countryside, inland from Mijas on the Costa del Sol in Spain. People have been evacuated from their homes.
While not currently being reported in the media, a witness, the writer's son Mark Sewell, lives in the countryside near Coín in Andalucia, Spain.He reports that when driving home from work in Fuengirola an hour ago (approximately 8:30 pm Spain time), he first noticed the smoke in the sky.On driving past the La Atalaya township area, flames were seen. The grass is extremely dry, due to the recent heat and lack of rain during summer months, and the fire is spreading, to the left of the main road.Sewell estimates that the fire is currently spreading approximately 5 kms along as far as approximately Coín. Passing Barranco Blanco, he saw several fire engines parked on the scene.He saw people being evacuated from their homes along the way, particularly in an urbanization close to his home.As far as he can see, there are two planes and one helicopter currently involved in fighting the flames, and while he said at the time that this is not enough, now he is home, it looks as though they might be coping with the blaze, as the fire hasn't reached his area.In the area there are many farms and farmhouses and animals, such as sheep, goats and horses, so it is to be hoped that the people and animals in the area are safe.The photos in this article were taken by the writer, of the sky in Fuengirola. While the day had been completely clear prior to the fire, the sky is now full of smoke.More news to follow as it comes in.Update: 10:30 pm Spain timeMore accurate news has now been received.La Opinion de Málaga (Spanish language) reports that the fire originated in Cerro Alaminos in Coín. Due to a strong wind coming from the Sierra de Mijas, it then affected Alhaurín el Grande, Coín and Mijas.Mijas Town Hall advised residents in La Atalaya to urgently evacuate their homes and to go to evacuation centers in the sports center in La Cala de Mijas, Las Lagunas (Mijas) and Mijas Hippodrome.Residents in Entrerrios are also on alert, as the fire could spread to their area.65 troops have been moved in including environmental agents and firefighters. A medical unit is also in attendance.The fire is still burning and officials are on the alert while firefighters continue to fight the blaze. Air units will not be able to work now that night has fallen.Málaga Hoy (Spanish language) reports that the fire started at around 18:50 on Thursday and is also affecting the area around Barranco Blanco and Poza de los Huevos.
Anne Sewell
Smoke from a fire spreading in the countryside can be seen from Fuengirola on the coast.
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