Mijas smoke fears: Why controlled burns are alarming local residents

Residents and foreign homeowners in Mijas have been left concerned by repeated sightings of smoke and burning overgrowth, with some fearing that wildfires may be breaking out close to their homes. The App Wildfire Watch barely has a day off without one of its users raising the alarm.

However, at least some of the smoke seen in the municipality has been caused by deliberate fire-prevention work carried out by Andalucia’s forest-fire service, INFOCA.

The authorities have been using controlled, or ‘prescribed’, burns to remove accumulated dry overgrowth in areas where woodland and residential developments meet. Although the sight of flames and smoke can be alarming, these operations are designed to reduce the risk of a much more dangerous wildfire.

INFOCA deliberately burns vegetation near Mijas homes

One of the most recent confirmed operations took place on October 23 in El Chaparral, around Camino del Hipódromo. The operation was carried out by INFOCA, working with Mijas Fire Service, to reduce the build-up of combustible overgrowth close to residential developments.

Around 36 INFOCA professionals took part, supported by firefighting vehicles, municipal water tankers and environmental inspectors from the Junta de Andalucia. The work focused on scrubland and low-growing weeds on privately owned land, with the owner’s agreement and under a specifically approved technical burning plan.

Mijas council have explained that the area has a history of recurring forest fires, making it particularly important to reduce the amount of overgrowth that could fuel future flames. Residents were warned that smoke and emergency vehicles would be visible during the operation and were asked to respect safety signs, avoid entering the working area and keep access roads clear.

Why burning overgrowth and weeds can prevent wildfires

The technique is known as a ‘prescribed burn’. Rather than allowing dry undergrowth to accumulate until the summer fire season, specialists deliberately burn selected areas under controlled conditions. This reduces the amount of combustible material available if an accidental fire breaks out.

The work is particularly important around the urban-forest interface, where houses, gardens and residential developments border woodland and scrubland. In these locations, an uncontrolled fire can spread rapidly through dry vegetation and threaten properties.

Removing some of that fuel can slow the advance of flames and give firefighting teams a better opportunity to tackle an outbreak before it reaches homes.

Mijas has experienced genuine wildfires this year

Residents’ concerns are not without reason. Mijas has experienced several genuine fires during 2026. In June, a grass fire broke out between Pueblo La Campana and La Sierrezuela, producing a large column of smoke and flames visible from several kilometres away.

Mijas firefighters, INFOCA forest-fire crews and other emergency services were mobilised. The blaze was brought under control without any need to evacuate residents. Other incidents have also demonstrated the danger posed by unmanaged scrubland, particularly when strong winds help flames spread towards residential areas. The area has therefore been placing increasing emphasis on long grass clearance and preventative fire management.

Are residents allowed to burn garden waste?

There is an important distinction between an officially supervised prescribed burn and someone setting fire to garden waste or overgrown vegetation on private land.

Andalucia has specific regulations governing the use of fire in forest areas and land within the forest-influence zone. Under the Junta’s published rules, the high fire-risk period runs from June 1 to October 15. The medium-risk period covers May and October 16 to 31, while the low-risk period runs from November 1 to April 30.

Even during the low-risk period, burning is not unrestricted. A declaration of responsibility is required for burning plant waste, while burning standing scrub and pasture requires specific authorisation. Additional safety conditions must also be followed. Prescribed burns carried out by INFOCA are a separate, professionally supervised operation, requiring an approved technical plan.

What should residents do if they see smoke?

Although controlled burns are part of wildfire prevention, residents should never assume that every fire or column of smoke is authorised. Anyone spotting flames or smoke in an area where no planned operation has been announced should contact emergency services on 112.

The Junta de Andalucía also provides an online real-time forest-fire information service, allowing the public to check reported incidents and their status.

For people living close to wooded areas, the message is straightforward: controlled burning can help protect homes, but vigilance remains essential.

With so many residential developments bordering undeveloped land in Mijas, keeping grass and other naturally overgrown plant life under control is an important part of preparing for the next wildfire season. That Wildfire Watch keeps on buzzing in our pockets? This can be only a good thing as it shows we residents and expats are on our toes, and ready for the next emergency.