Hundreds of people were evacuated last night after a bushfire broke out in a popular holiday spot where Britons were celebrating New Year’s Eve.
Firefighters scrambled to fight a forest fire that broke out at around 12:30 a.m. as fireworks and celebrations were taking place on Spain’s Costa del Sol. There is speculation that the fire may have been caused by fireworks.
The 300-odd people included British expatriates and tourists who were asked to leave their homes, and several were reportedly treated for smoke inhalation.
British partygoers were filmed helplessly watching the apocalyptic blaze from the balcony of Mijas’ apartment.
Over the sound of wailing sirens, a woman can be heard saying, “It feels like I’m watching a movie.”
Forest fire experts said the fire in Mijas, between Marbella and Fuengirola, was moving at a speed of 100 feet per minute.
The incident was declared a “Level 1” emergency, the most severe.
According to local media, the fire spread throughout the residential complex, forcing about 20 homes to evacuate.
Firefighters’ efforts were said to be hampered by strong winds of up to 80mph.
The fire was finally deemed under control at 9 a.m. this morningresidents were reportedly able to return to their homes slightly earlier, around 3 a.m.
Spanish online newspaper El Espanol reported that the cause of the fire is still unknown, but given the temperature and the fact that it was New Year’s Eve, it was likely arson or negligence.
Many on social media speculated that firecrackers or rockets were the cause.
Investigation is ongoing.
Fire service Plan Infoca officials shared on X (formerly Twitter) that two groups of forest firefighters and two large fire engines were called to the scene during the night.
The fire was extinguished at 9 a.m. today, it said, adding at 12:50 p.m. local time: “Our colleagues are currently monitoring, locating, auctioning and liquidating areas where hotspots still exist.
“They will continue to be assigned that job today.”