The municipal authorities of Benahavís in the province of Málaga deployed heavy machinery overnight to protect inhabited areas from a nearby forest fire. According to the incident command, the machinery is to create firebreaks and keep access roads clear for firefighting teams. Ground crews are working in parallel, with air support from the Andalusian forest fire service if conditions permit Infoca in stabilising the flanks.
Another current measure is that the A-7175 has reopened. This allows residents who were outside the municipality to return. At the same time, the Montemayor Montemayor remains evacuated as a precaution. The authorities stress that protecting inhabited areas is the top priority and that local restrictions may be adjusted at short notice as the situation develops.
The incident command says the decision to use machinery overnight is due to the topography and changeable winds, which could cause the fire to spread quickly. Heavy equipment is intended to widen firebreaks, contain hotspots around built-up areas and thus support the work of ground crews. The authorities initially gave no details about the cause of the fire or the precise extent of the damage; investigations are under way.
The municipality is keeping the public informed about the progress of the measures in coordination with the emergency coordination centre 112 Andalucía and the Junta de Andalucía . Information on returns, access to restricted areas and use of the reopened A-7175 road is being updated regularly. The incident command asks residents to follow official instructions strictly and keep access routes clear for emergency vehicles.
According to the official account, overnight operations are focused on protecting the town centre and neighbouring urbanisations. Priority is being given to areas with dense development and hillsides where flying embers pose a particular danger. Forecasts about further developments remain cautious: those in charge point to the weather and the progress of ongoing protective work. Decisions on ending the evacuation in Montemayor and any further lifting of restrictions depend on the operational command’s assessment that the situation is stable.
The authorities say they will publish further details on damage, affected areas and the duration of individual measures once reliable findings are available.
Editor: Andreas M. Brucker (Article created with AI assistance).