Igualeja forest fire stabilized; lockdown lifted and residents allowed home

A forest fire that ignited at 10:19 pm on Saturday near the Mirador de Igualeja viewpoint in the Serranía de Ronda was declared stabilized on Sunday, prompting the Andalusian regional government to lift the lockdown imposed on Igualeja and neighboring Parauta. Minister for health and emergencies Antonio Sanz announced that the eleven people evacuated as a precaution, together with other residents, may return to their homes, while only the A-397 road will stay restricted overnight.

The incident triggered emergency phase 1 and required a large-scale response, including 170 forest firefighters, twelve technicians and a range of ground units. Aerial support involved 22 aircraft: light, medium and heavy helicopters, cargo planes and amphibious units. Sustained winds of 30-35 km/h with gusts up to 60 km/h hampered containment, keeping authorities on alert through the night. Officials continue to urge the public to avoid the fire zone and keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.