Firefighters are battling a forest fire which began at around 19:45 in the paraje El Chaparral in Mijas, the smoke being visible for miles.
Twelve air units have been involved in the operation to control the blaze but had to be withdrawn at nightfall, making the task more difficult. Several people have been evacuated from their homes and have been taken to the sports centre in La Cala.
The looal radio taxi service has also put its cabs at the disposal of residents in the area, free of charge.