UPDATE: Car fire extinguished near El Higuerón

Updated: May 10, 2023, at 11.45 pm

The car fire on the AP-7 at El Higuerón has been extinguished including the surrounding trees, which caught fire also. The incident caused a traffic jam that extended for several kilometres towards Malaga. Calls to emergency services came in at around 4:40 pm indicating that there was a vehicle on fire in a ditch on the AP-7.

Despite the size of the fire, which engulfed the blue car, no injuries were reported. The two people in the car were safely clear of the vehicle before it started to burn. The flames very rapidly spread to nearby areas and a forest fire was declared at 5:15 pm.

A Super Puma helicopter and numerous specialist firefighter agencies were deployed at the scene and the fire was deemed to be under control by 6:25 pm. Arial imaging of the scene was carried out to ensure that the fire had been fully extinguished in this dry, volatile region.

The quick reactions of the emergency services it seems, prevented what could have been a much worse incident.

May 10, 2023, at 5.33 pm

A car has burst into flames just now near El Higuerón, close to the Mijas turn-off of the AP-7, May 10. 

The fire, which took place between the Mijas and Fuengirola turn-offs of the AP-7 was photographed by a passing motorist. It has caused surrounding trees to catch fire and a long tailback between the two junctions in the direction of Fuengirola.

Photos of the incident can be seen here.

We aim to keep you posted on news of the incident as it comes in.