The Almuñécar fire service was out, backed by an infoca helicopter, tackling a fire in the El Cerval area behind La Herradura.

The fire broke out around 19.00h yesterday evening and appears to have been caused by somebody burning cut branches, etc.

The fire was considered particularly dangerous given the very steep terrain, the heat and the proximity of several cortijos. However, thanks to the rapid response of the fire service and the water-bombing passes made by the helicopter, the fire was out within two hours.

The First Councillor of La Herradura, Juan José Ruiz Joya, arrived to ‘supervise’ the fire-fighting operation, staying until it was put out. The fire consumed about a hectare of mountain brush and some fruit trees.

Editorial comment: Why a politician believes that he can ‘supervise’ fire-fighting operation can only be explained by the fact that the municipal elections are taking place this Sunday.

(News: Herradura, Costa Tropical, Granada, Andalucia – Photo JM de H.)