A wildfire swept through the outskirts of Benahavís, forcing the evacuation of Montemayor Alto and a strict lockdown across the rest of the town. Residents rushed to safety as thick smoke blanketed the area and visibility fell along the A-7175 road.
The fire started near midday. Within hours, the Andalusian Emergency Agency (EMA) activated the Es-Alert system, telling people to stay inside solid buildings and seal doors and windows. Anyone who had to go outside was told to wear a mask. One resident was burned while trying to fight the fire, and a forest firefighter was injured in a fall during the response. Reports from TodoAlicante and ABC Andalucía put the fire’s start at about 13:07 on September 13, 2026, in the Ermita del Rosario area. By 14:00, authorities had declared emergency phase 1.
The Olive Press reported that smoke was visible beyond the town, reaching parts of the Costa del Sol as winds pushed the flames toward Estepona and the Genal Valley.
Plan Infoca sent fifteen aircraft to fight the fire from above, eight helicopters and seven planes. On the ground, sixty forest firefighters worked alongside four Brica brigades. Six operations technicians and three fire engines also helped contain the flames. Medical teams and environmental agents joined the effort as the fire threatened homes and infrastructure. Plan Infoca and regional authorities issued statements on the response.
Traffic on the A-7175 was partly stopped to let emergency vehicles through, with the right lane closed toward the fire. The EMA told people to stay indoors and avoid smoke, with particular care advised for children and older people, as well as anyone with breathing problems. Infoca’s emergency phase 1 activation reflected the seriousness of the situation and the need for a coordinated response. Europa Press and DGT warned people to avoid the area.
Residents of La Coja and scattered homes north and west of Benahavís were told to prepare to evacuate. People in other areas were warned not to underestimate the risk. Authorities recommended that vulnerable groups, including people with respiratory illnesses, children and older adults, keep evacuation essentials ready in case further orders came. Early official communications repeatedly urged people to take the risk seriously and follow safety instructions closely.
The situation resembled other recent fire emergencies in Spain, including the fire at the Chazar recycling plant, and points to the continuing challenge of responding quickly to extreme weather and environmental hazards. As the smoke began to clear, emergency teams continued their work.
