A rapidly developing wildfire emergency is unfolding in Alhaurin el Grande, with what appears to be two separate fire fronts burning in the area around the Rio Fahala. Emergency services remain on scene as firefighters, supported by helicopters and specialist wildfire crews, work to contain the blazes before they can spread further.

Two fires reported near Rio Fahala

According to EWN eyewitnesses at the scene, one fire is producing white smoke in the area of the bullrushes along the Rio Fahala. Witnesses say the scary sound of distressed horses can be heard from nearby stables as the fire burns close to the area.

A second fire is producing thick black smoke closer to the Posh Pets dog and cat hotel where the smoke appears to be coming from what looks like a car or caravan on fire, although this has not been officially confirmed. All at Posh Pets have reported that the dog hotel is fine.

Fire burns close to dog and cat hotel

The second fire is reported to be only approximately a hundred metres from Posh Pets, prompting major concern among local residents for the dogs and cats at the boarding kennels and cattery. At the time of writing, there have been no reports that the facility itself has been affected.

Second helicopter and BRICA crews respond

Firefighters continue to battle the blaze on the ground, with a BRICA fire engine among the emergency vehicles at the scene. A second helicopter also arrived to assist crews as they work to contain the fire. Witnesses describe hearing loud crackling noises as the fire burns through the dry vegetation.

Residents work together as fire spreads

Local people have been seen rallying together in an effort to protect their land while firefighters tackle the blaze. Several motorhomes in the area have also become a concern, with people moving their motorhomes away from the fire as a precaution.

Neighbours fear for nearby stables

The situation has become increasingly emotional with the unbearable sounds of distressed horses. Neighbours are seen crying out of concerns for the animals in the stables as firefighters continued their efforts to limit the damaged and control the situation.

This is a developing story, and more information will be published as it becomes available.

Coin has decided to get tough on fly-tipping with an extensive network of surveillance cameras to sort out their problem of illegal waste dumping, vandalism, and antisocial behaviour across the town. Coin local police and the council have announced the deployment of more than a dozen devices in strategic positions as part of efforts to better public safety and traffic management while encouraging responsible community habits.

Initial installations target problem locations

Work has started with a pilot scheme in Valdeperales before spreading to additional sites. Cameras now monitor areas including La Trocha, La Charca, the vicinity of El Rodeo sports centre, Alberquillas, Rincón, La Fuente, Cortijo Benítez, sections of the industrial estate, and roads such as Matadero and Antequera. Other units cover the Mijas road near La Fuente and Urique-El Rincon.

This first phase focuses on recycling points, rural entrances, and urban container zones where unauthorised deposits frequently occur. Teams will bring all twelve units online gradually over coming weeks.

Licence plate recognition behind enforcement

Equipment features advanced automatic number plate recognition together with artificial intelligence capabilities. Such technology allows quick identification of vehicles involved in illegal dumping or damage to public facilities. Local police and national security services gain valuable support when responding to reported incidents through faster evidence collection.

Francisco Santos, the mayor explained how the system tackles security concerns, protects public health standards, and directs bulky waste to the proper recycling centre instead of streets or recycling bins.

Ongoing waste management challenges remain

Council services already run double-daily refuse collections, especially in rural districts, and maintain regular street cleaning, pressure washing, disinfection, and pest control programmes. Despite these measures, the problem has become endemic, especially at out of town sites with some individuals and businesses still dumping furniture, construction rubble, and other unsuitable materials beside containers. These actions create extra costs, environmental risks, potential for wildfires, and visual pollution that affects everyone.

Education campaign complements camera rollout

Authorities are preparing a detailed information guide for residents explaining acceptable items for each container type and the need to take larger waste to the official tip. This idea means to prevent problems through better understanding rather than relying solely on fines or penalties.

Camera footage will also help track damage to bins and surrounding equipment. Officials describe the project as a deterrent that supports the vast majority of citizens who follow the rules and dispose of waste correctly.

Mayor of Alhaurin el Grande suggests dumping rubbish in doorway of local fly-tippers

Guardia Civil haul in Mijas. Credit: GC