AT LEAST 10 homes were evacuated last night in Mijas (Málaga) when a blaze took hold near two residential areas.
Homeowners on the urbanisation El Chaparral and on the C/ Noruega in Mijas town left their houses of their own accord as flames spread dangerously close.
Four hydroplanes and four helicopters were drafted in along with the fire brigade, Guardia Civil and forestry protection teams after emergency services received over 100 calls on the 112 hotline.
The inferno broke out at around 17.30hrs yesterday (Sunday) but by about 20.00hrs, all those who had fled their homes or been evacuated were allowed to return to their properties.
Specialist forest fire experts worked alongside rescue forces all night long to ensure the fire remained under control and stop it flaring up again.
The cause of the blaze, which started in an area of scrubland and pine wood, is not yet known.
Nobody was hurt and no homes were damaged in the fire.
