Nerja’s volunteer heroes rush to cliff fire as five are pulled from the sea

On the evening of Monday, September 14, Civil Protection volunteers in Nerja rushed to the cliffs below the historic watchtower, Playa de Maro, to combat a fire that threatened emergency crews. The Andalucia's 112 service had received over sixty calls from worried residents and visitors who witnessed smoke rising over the coastline.

Upon arrival, Civil Protection crews joined forces with firefighters from the Malaga Provincial Consortium to help control the blaze. Their assistance extended beyond firefighting, as volunteers supported the operation by providing food and water to personnel working to extinguish the flames. The situation escalated further when five people, including a child, became trapped in a small cove with no escape route.

A Guardia Civil maritime unit from Motril swiftly rescued the group and their dog from the water, adding urgency to the already stretched ground operation. Civil Protection representatives commended the collaboration between all services involved, crediting their cooperation for a swift and effective response. Officials acknowledged the support from the Provincial Fire Consortium, Nerja Town Hall, and the EMA 112 Andalucia emergency service during the incident.

The volunteer's behind-the-scenes work proved vital to the town's response, ensuring professional crews could maintain their efforts during the demanding operation.