Helicopters and planes battled a wildfire in Malaga, southern Spain on Saturday (July 16) as authorities said the thick vegetation and excessive heat were complicating firefighting efforts, Reuters reports.
With residential areas dotted around the Sierra de Mijas mountains, the epicentre of the blaze, authorities have evacuated about 3000 people as a precautionary measure since the fire started at midday on Friday (July 15).
The area in Malaga province is popular with tourists and a magnet for pensioners from the United Kingdom and northern Europe who have established their retirement residence there lured by the sunshine and relaxed lifestyle.
Elsewhere in Spain, dozens of fires are scorching thousands of acres of land and forcing authorities to evacuate people from their homes.
The heatwave, which began on July 10, has pushed temperatures into the 40s (Celsius) (104 Fahrenheit) making the risk of wildfires greater.
The severe weather is set to last through Sunday, although temperatures will remain high.
The Health Institute at Carlos III University in Madrid reported that 360 people have died due to heat related health issues over the period of July 10 - 15, and 123 of them died on Friday (July 15) alone.
