The fire, which generated an intense smoke column visible from various points in the Sevillian Aljarafe, mobilized a large emergency response for several hours. According to initial reports, the fire started in the morning but reignited strongly around 2:20 PM in a dry vegetation area near the SE-655 road, in the vicinity of the La Java urbanization. Due to the fire's advance and its closeness to homes and facilities, emergency services ordered the preventive evacuation of several residential areas.
The Mairena del Aljarafe City Council reported through its official channels the evacuation of residents from the areas closest to the fire, mainly from the surroundings of Malala, Java, and El Almendral. Officers from the Local Police of Mairena and municipal personnel collaborated in the extinction efforts and the coordination of adopted safety measures.
Local Police, Civil Guard, Seville Firefighters, and Provincial Council Firefighters, along with a 061 unit, were dispatched to the scene. Resources from the Plan Infoca also participated, deploying two Brigades for Reinforcement against Forest Fires (BRICA), a Super Puma heavy helicopter, 19 forest firefighters, and an operations technician. These personnel worked in the area until 6:31 PM, once the situation improved.
Sources linked to the intervention specified that, although the fire affected an area with abundant vegetation, "initially it is an urban fire and not strictly a forest fire," due to its proximity to homes and inhabited areas. These sources indicated that it is a particularly sensitive area where such incidents cause significant neighborhood concern. "It is a pasture area very close to homes, and people get quite worried," they stated. They also recalled that the Gelves ridge is a particularly recurring location for fires during the summer months.
The rapid action of the extinction teams and security forces allowed for containing the flames' advance and ensuring the safety of the evacuated residents. Despite the fire's spectacular nature and the large smoke column generated, no personal injuries were recorded, nor was medical intervention necessary. The 061 services remained on standby throughout the emergency.
As a preventive measure, the SE-3304 road, connecting San Juan de Aznalfarache with Palomares del Río, remained closed to traffic while extinction efforts were underway.
The mayor of Mairena del Aljarafe called for prudence, urging citizens to follow the instructions of emergency professionals and avoid unnecessary travel in the area to not hinder the work.
Emergencias 112 Andalucía also disseminated a series of recommendations for the public during episodes of this nature, including keeping doors and windows closed if smoke reaches homes, providing special protection to minors, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory problems, and using masks if necessary.
Authorities continue to investigate the causes of the fire while surveillance and mopping-up operations proceed to prevent potential re-ignition.
