Two injured in wildfire on Spain's Costa del Sol

A wildfire near the popular Costa del Sol beach resorts in Spain left two individuals injured on Sunday, according to emergency services. The fire erupted in the hilly area outside Benahavis, a wealthy village with a significant foreign population, including many British nationals, reported the Andalusia region's emergency services statement.

Strong winds of up to 50 kilometers (31 miles) per hour and steep terrain accelerated the rapid spread of the flames, which were visible from the upscale Mediterranean resort town of Marbella. One person suffered burns while attempting to extinguish the fire, and a forest firefighter sustained injuries after falling. Authorities ordered around 9,500 residents of Benahavis and nearby areas to remain indoors, while a housing development was evacuated as a precaution.

Approximately 20 aircraft and over 100 firefighters on the ground were supporting the firefighting efforts. As one of the world's most climate-vulnerable nations, Spain continues to face wildfire risks even after the summer months, with September 2 witnessing the hottest day on record since 1961, according to Spain's weather agency AEMET.

The European Forest Fire Information System states that wildfires have scorched over 296,000 hectares (731,000 acres) across Spain this year.