Igualeja fire causes emergency alert and confinement order as flames spread towards Sierra de las Nieves

A wildfire has erupted near the village of Igualeja in Malaga province, prompting an urgent emergency response from regional authorities. The blaze, which was first reported on Saturday evening, quickly gained momentum, spreading towards the Sierra de las Nieves National Park and forcing residents to follow a confinement order.

The Plan Infoca wildfire emergency was raised to operational level 1 in the early hours of Sunday, September 27, as flames were seen from the town of Ronda. Strong winds have made it difficult for firefighters to control the flames, with the provincial fire service confirming that weather conditions pose a significant challenge.

So far, no official reports of property damage or injuries have been issued, though the proximity of the fire to the Sierra de las Nieves reserve and the potential for further spread have raised concerns. Over 120 firefighters, along with support personnel including meteorologists and medical units, have been deployed to combat the inferno.

Residents are advised to heed official instructions and avoid traveling to the affected area. Anyone facing immediate danger is urged to dial 112 for assistance. The Igualeja fire has occurred just weeks after a separate wildfire in Benahavis, which earlier forced the evacuation of 50 people and resulted in the death of an 78-year-old man who suffered severe burns.