Huge Fire in Marbella and surrounding areas

This morning we awoke to find Sabinillas and Manilva covered in ash and a strong smell of smoke in the air… the result of a huge forest fire which affected  Coín, Monda, Ojén, Alhaurín, Mijas and Marbella.  The fire apparently started in Coin, yesterday afternoon and spread very quickly.  More than 4,000 people have been evacuated form their homes,  including 90% of Ojén, and ten urbanisations in Marbella.

There are reports of damage to houses and a couple injured with severe burns.

The AP-7 toll road from Estepona was closed for most of the night and only reopened late this morning.

Fireman from seven brigades, three reserve brigades, five fire engines, five operation technicians and four environmental vehicles fought the fire throughout the night with  17 fire-fighting planes returning to the air at first light.
The worst thing is, it is suspected that the fire was started deliberately…. I hope everyone is OK.