Spain wildfires: 2,500 evacuated from homes as blaze rages in Malaga

Firefighters tackle the blaze in Malaga

Almost 2,500 people have been evacuated from their homes amid wildfires in the southern Spanish province of Malaga, with evidence suggesting the fire that has killed at least one person may have been started deliberately. According to local emergency services, more than 365 firefighting personnel, 25 vehicles and 41 aircraft continued to battle the deadly wildfire that started on Wednesday and has burned the heavily forested area of Sierra Bermeja.

It has also forced mass evacuations in six towns and villages across Andalusia, including in the popular tourist destination of Costa Del Sol.

Authorities have deployed military personnel to help contain the raging blaze.

Footage shows the wildfire raging in the town of Pujerra

Andalusian authorities confirmed on Sunday morning that a new fire front developed, forcing the preventative evacuation of around 1,000 people from the Malaga municipalities of Jubrique and Genalguacil.

Local authorities confirmed that a 44-year-old firefighter had been killed on Thursday while battling the fire.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, President of the Regional Government of Andalusia Juan Manuel Moreno said that evidence discovered by firefighters points to the fire being started intentionally.

Footage shows fire crews and personnel from Andalusia’s environmental agency battling the blaze near the town of Pujerra in Malaga province.