Firefighters Still Battling Benahavís Blaze

***UPDATE – the fire is now classed as “controlled”***

Firefighters Still Battling Benahavís Blaze. 3 people injured as more than 200 firefighters battle the Costa Del Sol wildfire.

Photo by Anna Dabrowski

Firefighters Still Battling Benahavís Blaze

Fire crews continue operations today following a wildfire which broke out near Benahavís early on Sunday afternoon (13th September). The fire started in the Ermita del Rosario area, just one kilometre from Benahavis. Driven by strong easterly winds of up to 50 km/h and high late summer temperatures, the flames spread rapidly across the steep, densely wooded terrain. The fire has affected approximately 230 to 300 hectares of land.

Injuries and Evacuations

Andalusia’s emergency services have confirmed that three people sustained injuries during the initial response:

One person suffered burns while attempting to put out flames near a property, and was transferred to the Regional Hospital in Málaga.
A firefighter with the INFOCA forest fire service sustained a wrist injury in a fall on rough terrain.
A third person received treatment for minor smoke inhalation.

As a precautionary measure regional authorities issued an emergency phone alert (ES-Alert) in both Spanish and English to residents in Benahavís. While an initial stay at home order for the main village area has since been lifted, selective evacuations remain in place for surrounding residential developments, including Monte Mayor, where around 50 residents were moved to safety. No residential properties have been reported destroyed.

Benahavis fire seen from the main road on Sunday. Photo by Anna Dabrowski.

200 Ground Crew And 20 Aircraft Fight The Fire

More than 200 ground personnel were deployed yesterday to fight the fire, along with 20 aircraft including specialized water bombing helicopters and planes.

Overnight conditions brought cooler temperatures and higher humidity levels (exceeding 70%), which helped firefighters slow the advancing flames and stabilise key perimeters.

Authorities maintain Emergency Phase 1 operational status across the area while ground teams secure hotspots and clear firebreaks. Local residents are advised to monitor official emergency channels and obey road closures around the A-7175 access route.

Published: 14.09.2026

Written by Dave James