Emergency services have activated level 1 protocols after a forest fire broke out in Archez and rapidly spread to neighbouring areas in the Axarquia region of Malaga.

Officials from Plan Infoca were quick to respond to the blaze first reported at 12.44 in the Barranco de la Fuente area. Crews deployed multiple aircraft, including two light helicopters, one semi-heavy helicopter, two ground-loading planes and a coordination aircraft. Ground teams consisted of 17 personnel supported by a water tanker.

15/07/2026. 🕗 15.30 h.

🔴 ACTUALIZACIÓN #IFÁrchez, #Málaga | Trabajamos en su estabilización.

MEDIOS:
🚁 2 ligeros, 2 semipesados, 1 mando
🛩️ 4 carga en tierra, 1 coordinación
👩‍🚒 80 efectivos por tierra
🚒 2 autobombas
📡 1 equipo de mando
🩺 1 unidad médica pic.twitter.com/gosG06CKQD

— EMA INFOCA (@Plan_INFOCA) July 17, 2026

Fire jumps between villages calling for evacuations

Local authorities confirmed the flames moved quickly from Archez into Canillas de Albaida and Competa. One mayor described how the fire crossed a gully despite initial containment efforts, burning through avocado cultivation plots and forcing preventive evacuations of homes and an entire urbanisation.

🔴 Elevamos a fase de emergencia, situación operativa 1, el #PlanInfoca en la provincia de #Málaga por la evolución del #IFÁrchez

🔥 Como medida preventiva, se recomienda evitar la zona y seguir las indicaciones de los servicios de emergencia.

🏠 Quédate en casa. Cierra… pic.twitter.com/Bcs6CxxX6b

— Antonio Sanz Cabello (@antoniosanz) July 17, 2026

No personal injuries have been reported so far. Teams focused efforts on protecting residential zones and agricultural land. A road closure formed part of safety measures in the affected zone. Residents received instructions to stay indoors, keep doors and windows shut if smoke reached them, and pay extra attention to children, elderly people and vulnerable groups. People should avoid the area entirely and follow all directions from emergency teams.

Restaurant blaze causes tension in Velez-Malaga centre

Separate from the forest incident, a fire broke out early Friday morning inside Sushi One Asiatico restaurant in Velez-Malaga. Flames started around 10am on the ground floor of a five-storey residential building in Calle Aceitunos, close to Avenida de Las Naciones.

Dense smoke led firefighters to evacuate around 20 residents from the block as a precaution. Fortunately the restaurant was closed to customers at the time, which helped complete the operation quickly without any reported injuries or smoke inhalation cases. Damage remained confined mostly to the interior of the establishment. Investigators pointed to a possible electrical fault or equipment issue rather than any link to the wider fires.

Multiple units from the Provincial Fire Consortium in Velez-Malaga, along with local police and medical services, attended the scene. Officers cordoned off access routes while crews tackled the blaze from several angles. A large plume of black smoke became visible across much of the town, drawing public attention. By approximately 11am, firefighters declared the fire under control and began ventilation and safety checks to prevent re-ignition in ceiling voids or ducts.

Safety advice still key for local communities

Both incidents go to show the heightened alert for the weekend and the high need for vigilance during such dry and hot conditions in southern Spain. Authorities continue to call for caution and full cooperation with emergency instructions in all affected parts of Malaga province. Updates will follow as containment progresses on the forest fire and investigations advance on the restaurant incident

Drivers in Las Lagunas will breathe a sigh of relief as from September they will be able to use the new Los Santos underground car park, after Mijas Town Hall confirmed the long-awaited facility has been completed and is entering its final testing phase.

Final technical testing underway

Mayor Ana Mata visited the completed development on Thursday, July 16 with Infrastructure Councillor Juan Jose Torres to inspect the site before it opens to the public. Construction has now finished following an investment of €15.7 million. During the coming weeks, engineers will carry out final checks on the ventilation, air conditioning, lifts, access barriers and fire protection systems. The council is also finalising the electricity supply contract, a requirement before the official handover of the facility.

Increased capacity to 272 spaces

Revisions to the internal layout have increased the car park’s capacity from the 234 spaces originally planned to 272 without reducing the size of any parking bay. From the total, 200 spaces have already been allocated to local residents through a monthly subscription scheme costing €50, following a public draw held earlier this year. The remaining 72 spaces will operate as short-stay public parking, available through a standard ticketing system, easing the parking issues currently around the busy area.

Designed to improve parking in Las Lagunas

Located beneath Plaza La Cala, Plaza Mijas and Plaza Los Olivos, the four-storey underground facility is connected beneath Calle San Matias. Vehicle access has been created from Calle San Jorge, while the exit leads towards Plaza Mijas. Two pedestrian entrances equipped with lifts and staircases provide step-free access throughout the development.

Speaking during the visit, Mayor Ana Mata said the new infrastructure would improve mobility in an area that has experienced long-standing parking difficulties. Councillor Juan Jose Torres added that July and August will be dedicated to completing the remaining technical tests and correcting any outstanding defects before the scheduled opening in September.

A total of 180 children and teenagers from across Cartagena have successfully wrapped up their participation in ZONNA Summer, a municipal programme designed to offer an educational, active, and healthy leisure alternative during the school holidays. The programme, which ran from June 23 to July 17, involved young residents from ages 6 to 18 in a diverse variety of activities, ranging from educational workshops, traditional games, sports, and cultural excursions. 

Education, heritage, and summer wellbeing

The initiative was carried out by the Department of Social Policy, Equality, and Family of the Cartagena City Council, and is part of the work that ZONNA carries out throughout the year. Currently, this service helps around 400 children in different neighbourhoods and districts across the municipality.

A fun-filled summer programme for the young residents

The ZONNA Summer programme provides an alternative educational and social experience after the school year has officially ended, allowing the students to share their experiences, organise their free time, and continue developing their personal and social skills. This year’s edition of the workshops included leisure planning, education of values, and traditional games and activities. The young residents have also received advice on preventing the effects of high temperatures and using swimming pools, beaches, and other bathing areas responsibly.

During the summer, these activities are of special importance, when children’s free time increases, as well as their exposure to extreme heat.

Sports and culture: An unforgettable summer in Cartagena

One of the main highlights of the programme was the inclusion of sports activities and sightseeing in the beautiful areas of Cartagena. Through exercise and team games, the children had fun in an atmosphere of camaraderie, and the promotion of healthy habits, respect for rules, and collaboration.

The young explorers also participated in cultural outings around the municipality, learning about the fascinating history of the area and some of its most important heritage sites.

Inclusive support across nine distinct districts

Currently, ZONNA carries out its activities in nine areas of Cartagena: Los Dolores, Casco, San Anton, Barriada Virgen de la Caridad, Miranda, Santa Ana, Los Nietos, El Llano del Beal and Estrecho de San Gines.

The work of ZONNA is not limited only to the summer months, however. This programme offers educational leisure workshops and study support during the school year as well. It aims to foster personal, social, and academic development among young students in the municipality, and helps them in their social and academic development, all while creating safe spaces for interaction among children and teenagers.

All in all, the programme allowed nearly 200 children to enjoy several fun-filled weeks of learning, socialising, and community, making for an unforgettable summer in Cartagena.