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Date Published: 10/09/2021
ARCHIVED - Malaga forest fire still spreading as firefighter loses his life battling the flames
Emergency services from across Andalucía are attempting to slow down the wildfire in Sierra Bermeja
A raging forest fire in the province of Málaga, mostly affecting the municipality of Estepona, has burnt through over 3,500 hectares in the past two days and is still active as of Friday morning, September 10.
The fire originated in the Sierra Bermeja on September 8 and has destroyed an area which is considered to be one of the richest botanical enclaves in Andalucía, as well as spreading dangerously close to residential areas, forcing around 1,000 people to be evacuated from their homes in Jubrique, Estepona, Benahavís and Genalguacil.
Efectivos del @cpbmalaga actúan desde anoche en el incendio que afecta a los términos municipales de #Estepona, #Genalguacil y #Jubrique en coordinación con @Plan_INFOCA. #IFJubrique pic.twitter.com/Ur6hzRlvZQ
— Diputación de Málaga (@diputacionMLG) September 9, 2021
Although over 250 emergency service workers from six different provinces in Andalucía are currently working to control the flames, some local authorities are calling for the military to send assistance as the fire shows no signs of slowing down and one 44-year-old firefighter has already lost his life on duty this Thursday September 9.
The enormous blaze has also forced the AP-7 motorway to be closed at several points throughout the last 48 hours.
Firefighting efforts are now mainly focused on the left flank, as firemen try and prevent the flames from reaching a large forest area in the municipality of Benahavís, but their job is being made more difficult by strong gusts of wind, reaching up to 40 km/h.
Images: Plan INFOCA
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