400 Firefighters Battle To Bring Blaze Under Control

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400 Firefighters Battle To Bring Blaze Under Control. The Costa Del Sol fire is being tackled by 41 planes and helicopters and over 400 firefighters.

400 Firefighters Battle To Bring Blaze Under Control

The fire which is currently devastating parts of the Costa Del Sol is now being fought by more than 400 firefighters and 41 air vehicles. By Saturday evening the blaze had consumed more than 5000 hectares of land within a 41km perimiter, and it has claimed the life of 44 year old firefighter Carlos Martinez Haro.

The fire broke out on Wednesday evening and has now spread accross four municipalities, they are Jubrique, Genalguacil, Estepona and Benahavís. The fire has been classed as “Grade E” by Infoca which is the most severe. More than 1000 people have been evacuated from their homes. Selwo Aventura has been closed and guests evacuated, all the animals are safe and the park is not thought to be under immediate threat.

Smoke clouds hanging in the air, seen from Mijas.

Blaze Started Deliberately

The fire was ignited in two locations. Regional President Juanma Morena has confirmed that is was started deliberately, with similar materials found at both ignition points. He described how two pine cones were placed on dry leaves and lit with a cigarette lighter. Moreno expressed determination to catch the arsonists, saying “They should know that we’re after them. It might take us a month, or tw,o or a year, but we’ll find them. If they’re listening to this, they won’t sleep well tonight, or tomorrow or, in six months’ time, because we’ll hunt them down and they will be brought to justice”.

Published: 11.09.2021

Written by Dave James