ESTEPONA – UPDATE: The rain which has been falling for some hours has helped bring the fire under control. It has enabled level 0 to be activated after almost 10,000 hectares were burned. This makes it the most serious fire in the last 30 years in the province.
The expected rains that have fallen throughout the night have allowed the Sierra Bermeja fire, which started last Wednesday night, to be controlled. This was communicated a few minutes ago by the president of the Junta de Andalucía Juanma Moreno in a tweet.
The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) also expects more rainfall throughout this Tuesday in the fire area. It could reach 10 litres per square meter until early afternoon. In addition, the operational direction of Infoca has authorised the orderly and gradual return home of the 250 residents of Genalguacil.
The MA-8301, MA-8302 and MA-8304 highways are now open.
Most evacuated residents allowed home
Residents of Jubrique, Júzcar, Pujerra, Farraján and Alpandeire can return to their homes. The regional agriculture minister reported Monday evening that only residents of Genalguacil cannot return due to the proximity of the fire.
The forest fire front on the northwest side has still not stabilised. It threatens the small village in the Valle del Genal. Minister Carmen Crespo explained hopefully the return of residents after 24 hours away from home will be soon.
Infoca informed late Monday that the fire on the south side has stabilised. In the west, the fire has flared up again as a result of a Levante wind. To the north ‘the firefighting efforts are starting to pay off’; and to the east are parts glowing, but without flames.
Rain expected
Heavy rain showers are expected in the area from early Tuesday morning. This will help the nearly 1,000 firefighters, assisted by 50 air resources, in the work they have been doing since Wednesday evening to put out the blaze.
