UP IN SMOKE: Fuengirola firefighters demonstrate fire prevention on the Costa del Sol

Firefighters in Fuengirola have got stuck into Fire Prevention Week. The event, organised by the Mapfre Foundation in collaboration with the Town Hall, is aimed at promoting fire safety among residents.

Firefighters have given talks in schools and will hold an open day at the local fire station on Saturday 18, starting at 11am. On Sunday 18, a special demonstration will given by the professionals in Plaza España, where a large tent full of smoke will installed to teach attendees how to act in the event of a fire. The objective of the initiative is to promote self-protection measures against the most common risks of fire.

The Mapfre Foundation has also organised workshops and conferences to sensitise the population and give useful advice. Attendees are urged to install a simple smoke detector, that are worth €30 and can save lives. Professionals will demonstrate how to use a fire extinguisher and confine a fire.  

Since the first Fire Prevention Week was organised, its success has been more than demonstrated in Fuengirola. Fires in the municipality have been reduced drastically, starting with 99 fires in 2012 and ending with only 32 in 2019.

Firefighters highlight that smoke detectors are the most effective system to survive a fire at night and while sleeping. Especially taking into account the most common fire hazards, that include stoves, candles, defective wiring and electric blankets.