12 Aug, 2024 @ 13:30
1 min read

Local man, 67, jailed for deliberately starting a forest fire near a Costa del Sol community – as Andalucia given ‘extreme’ warning for further blazes

A KNOWN criminal has been sent to jail for deliberately starting a devastating fire that saw homes evacuated on the Costa del Sol last month.

The 67-year-old firestarter, who lived locally in Caceres, was arrested with ‘three lights on him’ and later charged with starting a forest fire. 

The Civil Guard said: “Clear evidence was found pointing to a man living in Casares who was near the starting point of the fire.”

The blaze, which broke out near several homes on July 5, forced the evacuation of one property and caused significant damage. 

READ MORE: Forest fire erupts in Marbella: Helicopters and planes dump water on inferno as videos show smoke billowing into the air and blacking out roads

The risk of a forest fire today (Monday August 12) in Andalucia is considered to be moderate among much of the coast but extreme for inland areas

Firefighters from across the region battled the flames for several hours, eventually bringing the blaze under control.

The wildfire caused significant disruption to the local community, with a nearby road being closed for two hours and residents fearing for their homes.

An Estepona court ordered the suspect, who has a criminal record, to be remanded in custody pending further investigation.

The fire marked the first major one of the hot season on the Costa del Sol, which has seen many subsequent ones break out as the temperatures have crept higher.

A couple of weeks later, a forest fire broke out in Marbella following a day of high temperatures and blustery conditions.

READ MORE: Evacuated residents return to their homes following ‘severe’ forest fire in Alicante

Around 100 firefighters and 14 aircraft were needed to tackle the blaze in the hills of Nagueles.

Pictures taken from a helicopter show flames snaking through the hills behind Marbella on the Costa del Sol.

Residents in nearby San Pedro de Alcantara can see thick black smoke filling the air while helicopters pass overhead.

It comes as the Costa del Sol is placed on alert for extremely high temperatures next week.

The warning, by official weather agency AEMET, is in force on Tuesday, with highs of 38C expected.

The yellow-level alert is also in place in the Axarquia and parts of Murcia.

Walter Finch

Walter Finch, who comes from a background in video and photography, is keen on reporting on and investigating organised crime, corruption and abuse of power. He is fascinated by the nexus between politics, business and law-breaking, as well as other wider trends that affect society.
Born in London but having lived in six countries, he is well-travelled and worldly. He studied Philosophy at the University of Birmingham and earned his diploma in journalism from London's renowned News Associates during the Covid era.
He got his first break in the business working on the Foreign News desk of the Daily Mail's online arm, where he also helped out on the video desk.
He then decided to escape the confines of London and returned to Spain in 2022, having previously lived in Barcelona for many years.
He took up up a reporter role with the Olive Press Newspaper and today he is based in La Linea de la Concepcion at the heart of a global chokepoint and crucial maritime hub, where he edits the Olive Press Gibraltar edition.
He is also the deputy news editor across all editions of the newspaper.

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