The ‘Great Fire’ of Málaga, which destroyed 8,225 hectares of land, affected six municipalities and resulted in one death and two serious injuries, was caused by the negligent and illegal burning of agricultural waste, according to investigations carried out by INFOCA.
The fire began on August 30th and was not extinguished until September 4th. The town of Ojén was completely evacuated as were a number of urbanisations along the Costa del Sol, with the municipalities of Marbella, Mijas, Coín, Alhaurín El Grande and Monda being affected by the blaze.
The source of the fire has reportedly been traced to a farm at the foot of Cerro Alaminos where agricultural waste and stubble was being burned, an act which is totally illegal and prohibited during the summer months.
In addition, it is thought that the bonfire was abandoned while it was still burning and this led to a fire spreading on two fronts. Weather conditions at the time corresponded to the ‘thirty´rule – 30 degrees, 30 kph winds and humidity less than 30%, ideal for fires to spread and difficult to extinguish or even control.