Costa del Sol: Huge blaze tears through Estepona

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Holidaymakers in the Costa del Sol region of Spain have been warned to take extra care due to extreme fires. Level One of the Emergency Plan for forest fires has been declared in the area.

Tourists have been warned to stay out of the way of helicopters which may be flying low to gather water supplies to tackle the fires.

The fire service has also requested that people remove obstacles from outdoor swimming pool areas.

Forest fire alert Twitter @ElBatefuegos has warned holidaymakers to get out of the sea if a seaplane is attempting to reload.

A post said: “Tips in English for wildfire situations.

“If you are under a wildfire warning, get to safety right away.”

Any tourist in the water while the seaplane is in action could be in danger of getting in the way of the plane.

Police have evacuated residents and expats from two estates closest to the forest fires.

In case of an emergency evacuation, expats and tourists are advised to have their identity documents and any important medicines with them and pets ready to leave.

Those evacuated should also bring cash, a toilet bag with essential toiletries and some food and drink.

Torches and a spare change of clothes are also advised, as it is unknown how long people may need to be evacuated for.

Evacuated residents and expats in the area should leave garden access open and close doors and windows to their homes.

Anyone being evacuated should also contact friends and family to let them know they are safe.

Britons have been evacuated from the popular Costa del Sol resort, Estepona, and are being sheltered by Spanish authorities.

In total, 779 people have been evacuated so far. Estepona is home to an idyllic fishing port and is popular with expats.

The fire service and residents have shared social media videos of fire helicopters pouring water on burning fires.

One Twitter user said: “The fire in Estepona is still very much active sadly. The terrace is covered in ash. I really hope everyone is ok.”

Another said that they could see the Estepona forest fires and smoke from where they were staying in Marbella.

Orora Tech, a wildfire monitoring service, tweeted that the fires were being fuelled by strong winds.

Raging Costa del Sol forest fires can also be seen from the east coast of Gibraltar according to the Met Office on the island.

The @ElBatefuegos Twitter has tweeted an interactive map highlighting the location of evacuation shelters.

Tourists are advised to stay out of the way of firefighter and sea plane activity and follow all warnings issued by the fire department.

The wildfire began on Wednesday night but has continued to burn due to strong winds in the area.

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