A large brush fire just off the N-340 above Taramay received the full attention of firefighters, including airborne units from Infoca using two helicopters and a fixed wing aircraft.

The area is just above the industrial estate near Barrio San Juan; on the vega side of Citasol.

The fire appeared to be trapped between two small tracks, which seemed to be stopping it from spreading.

Although the flames did appear to be quite close to some apartments, we believe these to be the unoccupied ones on the left just before the tunnel as you head towards Salobreña.

These shots were taken about 15 minutes ago. As soon as we have any more information on any damage or injuries, we will update this article.

Update: the fire started at approximately 15.30h. The Almuñécar fire service almost had it under control when the wind got up and fanned the flames, which was when Infoca were called in with their two helicopters: a Bell Huey and a heavier type of a Russian make, both with under-slung bambies or water buckets.

The helicopters were flying up the valley to just above Otívar to fill them up from open-top water tanks used for irrigation.

The aircraft, a Sky Tractor, undoubtedly flown by Juan Carlos from the Jayena Infoca airfield, also joined in: the aircraft has an internal water tank for bombing but unlike the helicopters has to return to base to take on more water.

All the aircraft use a mixture of water and a fire-retardant chemicals.

There was a worrying moment when the flames were just 100 metres below the Urbanización Citasol on the western side.

This hasn’t been confirmed but the fire appears to have begun near the Roman ruins next to the abandoned farm house.