Over 100 guests evacuated from Ibis Hotel in Malaga in early morning blaze – updated

Emergency alerts reached services at 1.26am on Monday 25 May after flames broke out in Le Gran Cafe on Calle Cerrojo in central Malaga. Smoke spread fast into the Ibis Centro hotel directly above the premises next to the Guadalmedina river. Fire crews arrived to find evacuation already underway while thick smoke filled the building.

CREDIT: Butra Garcia @__butra

Origin of the blaze and rapid spread

Flames started in the ground-floor cafe and moved upwards through wooden decor that created intense heat. Benito Martínez, head of the operation, said that around 600 square metres burned completely in the cafe. Similar damage hit the first floor where fire load concentrated, with flames and smoke reaching upper levels and hitting the right side hardest. Iron beams combined with wood and acoustic insulation materials allowed hidden pockets of fire to spread quickly and stay concealed in the structure.

Málaga ha tenido hoy dos incendios que han puesto de manifiesto que la ciudad no estaría preparada pa un incendio de grandes magnitudes,por falta de recursos y medio, cosas que llevan los Bomberos denunciando años..Quizás haya que invertir más en esto y no puentes plazas…. pic.twitter.com/WxRYbv8cl2

— Curiosidades e Historia de Málaga de fernan fdeZ.. (@malagacuriosa) May 25, 2026

Crews deployed four units from the start. Operations focused on containment before shifting to cooling and ventilation throughout the morning. Martínez confirmed the main fire came under control yet full extinguishing requires ongoing work into the evening because embers and smoke can reignite in hidden spots. Access to rooms stays restricted for now while teams assess conditions.

Full evacuation of over one hundred guests

Hotel staff and emergency teams cleared every floor without delay. Guests rushed down stairs filled with people after alarms sounded and intermittent lights flashed. No injuries occurred during the incident. Officials relocated everyone to nearby hotels including the NH, with priority given to elderly visitors, those who felt unwell, and families with young children. Taxis waited at the scene from around 5.30am to complete transfers.

Firefighters attempted to retrieve essential items such as passports, plane tickets and documents for departing guests wherever possible. Some rooms suffered heavier damage, leaving uncertainty over what remains recoverable inside.

Firefighting challenges and current status

Complex building features complicated suppression efforts from the outset. Hidden flames inside walls and ceilings demanded careful checks even after visible fire subsided. Local police closed several streets in the city centre to give crews clear access and diverted traffic away from the zone. Residents nearby noticed strong smoke smells across the area.

Martínez explained teams plan to remain on site all day and possibly return later once initial cooling finishes to tackle any remaining smoke or small outbreaks. Investigators continue to examine the scene to determine exact cause while the cafe lies completely destroyed.

The fire brigade stress the situation remains under control with no risk to surrounding buildings.

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By Tuesday morning, May 26, the fire continues having now, reportedly, reached the roof of the building. While fire crews have declared the blaze “under control,” smoke continues to billow from the site. However, questions remain: What happened to the building’s own fire control systems? How did the fire begin in the first place? What was wrong with the construction that led to such a massive spread of the fire? And, will the building’s structure collapse due to the intense and prolonged heat?

CREDIT: Butra Garcia @__butra