Forest fires ravage Costa del Sol, thousands evacuated overnight

Forest fires ravage Costa del Sol, thousands evacuated overnight, one dead, others injured

The fire started at around 7pm on Thursday 30th August on the outskirts of Coín and Alhaurin el Grande at Barranco Blanco. 5000 people were evacuated from their homes at some points, and countless animals - animal refuges were also affected. A 54 year old German man died in the fires, a married couple were critical in hospital with burns injuries (the husband at the burns unit in Seville, while his wife was cared for at Malaga's Carlos Haya hospital.

MIJAS estimates 17-23 properties damaged & 1000 hectares burnt
MARBELLA - 60 properties damaged and 400 hectares burnt

Around 8000 hectares of forest and countryside have been destroyed by fire - survey planes will confirm the extent of the devastation using GPS technology to map out the damaged area. Meanwhile, fire fighters have the task of ensuring that the smouldering earth doesn't re-ignite.

The ex pat community is pulling together to help those affected, including the animals, more information and details of how to volunteer are available at the newly created SOS Volunteers Andalucia website.

The Spanish Red Cross are also involved in relief efforts and will be publishing details of how people can donate money to help in the efforts.

People and pets are homeless, needing shelter and food. Collection points for animal food and bedding have been set up at Iceland Stores in Mijas and Puerto Banus, and vans will be at points in Alhaurin el Grande (feria ground) and Coín (CHAIN shop at La Trocha) to accept donations.

During Sunday afternoon, a lorry load of supplies collected by horse riders, owners, stables and other friends in the Axarquia, arrived at Mijas for distribution.

So many things have been donated to the collection points that those running them need the chance to take stock and sort the goods they have - the collection points at Iceland stores will close on Friday 7th August.

If you want to help the animals affected by this, Axarquia Online Animal Rescue are taking donations via their website, just leave a note to say it is for the fire.

ARCH (the Andalucian Rescue Centre for Horses) have set up a special bank account to help with the victims of the fire and their animals, we are more then willing to help with any horses and donkeys but we do need donations to do this. Please donate to Cajamar Bank No :- 3058 0774 94 272 003 9601

More pictures and information can be found at our Facebook Page

Here is a picture of the fire raging on Thursday night, there are many more on Facebook, some are linked from our page

Coastline cares