Wood cutters caused blaze in Malaga

Wood cutters caused blaze in Malaga

TWO woodcutters have been reported for allegedly negligently starting a forest fire that destroyed 10 hectares of woodland in Spain.

The fire in the El Higueron area of Benalmadena (Malaga) broke out in the yard of a firewood company on June 13, before rapidly spreading to nearby trees.

A police investigation has concluded that the blaze was caused by the negligence of two people working for the company.

Although the main activity of the company is the handling of combustible materials, it did not have any measures to prevent the spread of a fire, such as fire extinguishers or firewalls. This allowed the flames to spread to the woodland.

Strong winds fanned the fire, and the billowing smoke meant the main A7 road had to be closed off in both directions for several hours, with long tail backs both on the A7 and the alternative coastal road.

The police report has been handed to a Torremolinos court.