Estepona/Benahavis wildfire brings health and possible evacuation warnings – Latest update

A major wildfire that broke out on Thursday afternoon near Urbanización Montemayor in Estepona, near Selwo safari park, initially tracked as #IFEstepona and now as #IFBenahavis, continues to be tackled by emergency services, but with encouraging overnight developments. The fire, which prompted precautionary evacuations and a temporary AP-7 closure, has seen its perimeter contained in more than 60 per cent as ground crews worked through the night.

As of early Friday morning, some evacuated residents have been given the all-clear to return, and the motorway has reopened in key sections.

Current Status

The blaze started around 4.40pm on July 9 near the AP-7 (km 1068) in the Montemayor area, close to the border between Estepona and Benahavis. It spread into wooded zones with very high fire risk conditions, with temperatures at around 36°C and strong winds.

Main positives as of July 10 morning:

• Perimeter contained over 60 per cent
• Aerial resources largely withdrawn overnight as winds eased; ground teams continue operations
• No reported injuries or major structural damage
• Emergency phase remains at Situación Operativa 1

While the fire originated in proximity to areas near Selwo Aventura, shifting wind directions have directed the main advance away from the park, significantly reducing any immediate threat there.

Evacuations and returns

Emergency forces carried out preventive evacuations affecting around 1,000 people (roughly 400 homes), primarily from:

• • Urbanización Parque Botánico Country Club (Benahavís)
  • First-line properties in Urbanización Los Flamingos (including the Four Seasons hotel complex)
  • Some scattered homes nearby

🔴 #IFBenahavís

Se ha decretado el confinamiento preventivo de la urbanización Montemayor.

🚫 Sigue en todo momento las indicaciones de los servicios de emergencia.

No te la juegues. Evita riesgos.#AndalucíaPreviene pic.twitter.com/52JJwN4BPr

— EMA 112 (@E112Andalucia) July 10, 2026

A temporary shelter was set up at the Benahavis sports hall, though most residents found alternative accommodation with family, friends, or hotels.
Latest good news: Residents of Los Flamingos who were evacuated yesterday have now been authorised to return to their homes (announced around 6am on July 10).
A preventive confinement order remains in place for Urbanización Montemayor. Firefighters continue to monitor the situation closely.

AP-7 motorway update

The AP-7 toll road between Marbella and Estepona was closed for several kilometres due to the proximity of the flames. It has now been reopened to traffic in the affected section (between km 1054 and 1070 in the Cadiz direction), with normal flow restored between Estepona and Marbella.

Firefighting resources

A large multi-agency operation has been deployed, including:

• Approximately 235 personnel (with 129+ ground firefighters from Infoca and supporting teams)
• Around 10 fire engines
• Multiple helicopters (light, medium-heavy, heavy, and command) and fixed-wing planes earlier in the response
• Medical unit and coordination teams
• Support from local firefighters (Estepona, Benahavis, Marbella), police, Guardia Civil, Cruz Roja, and 061 emergency health service
• An advanced command post was established in Llano de La Ermita, Benahavis. Nearly 300 calls were handled by 112 Andalucia since the fire began.

Health & safety tips

Smoke from the fire has been visible across most of the Costa del Sol, including Estepona and San Pedro de Alcantara. Fine particles can irritate eyes and lungs and worsen conditions like asthma.

Recommendations:

• Stay indoors and keep windows closed if you are in an affected area
• Limit outdoor activity, especially for children, elderly people, and those with respiratory or heart conditions
• Wear a face mask if you must go outside into the smoky area
• Follow all instructions from emergency services and local authorities
• Do not approach the fire zone to gawp, as it endangers emergency workers and can hinder operations

Background on the blaze

This is one of the biggest wildfires on the Costa del Sol so far this season. It is said to have begun in a ditch/curb area along the AP-7 and quickly spread due to dry vegetation and weather conditions. The response was rapidly scaled up, with the Plan Infoca fire fighters of the Junta de Andalucia elevated to emergency phase 1 within hours.

What happens next?

Ground crews will continue consolidation and extinguishing work today. Further updates on containment, additional returns, or any changes to confinement orders are expected throughout the day. Aerial teams have already been spotted refilling with water from the Concepción reservoir this morning as the wind continues to cause dangerous, choppy conditions in the sea.