The blaze that affected the Ibis hotel and its ground-floor businesses has moved beyond an immediate emergency to become a significant city concern. While firefighters continue to monitor the building for potential flare-ups and investigators work to determine the cause, the incident has ignited a fervent discussion about safety in the historic center, fire prevention, and the capacity of emergency services.
The Urban Planning Commission hosted viewpoints from residents, unions, and political groups on Monday. The presence of wooden structures within the building and difficulties in safely accessing certain areas prolonged the firefighting and monitoring efforts for weeks, causing concern among residents and shopkeepers due to access restrictions and uncertainty about the building's condition.
Carlos Carrera, president of the Old Town Residents Association, described the center as "a genuine fire hazard" and "a real trap," highlighting the concentration of entertainment venues beneath residential buildings and the challenges for emergency vehicle access. He called for preventive measures and stricter controls, questioning the lack of information regarding the inspection plan announced by the City Council following fires in Murcia.
The Andalusian Firefighters Union, represented by Pedro David Pacheco, echoed these concerns, stating that the Ibis fire exposed issues professionals have long denounced, such as an "alarming lack of human and material resources." He criticized the official narrative attributing the fire's duration solely to the building's construction, warning against the perception it creates regarding the vulnerability of old structures.
The opposition has seized on the issue. Con Málaga spokesperson Toni Morillas criticized the absence of a comprehensive fire prevention strategy and noted that the Municipal Fire Department has fewer personnel than nearly two decades ago. Socialist spokesperson Mariano Ruiz Araujo demanded explanations and public disclosure of inspection results, proposing a review of emergency access and street occupations. Vox representative Antonio Alcázar advocated for broader reflection on safety planning in light of the city's growth.
Councilor for Security, Avelino Barrionuevo, refuted claims of insufficient resources, attributing the fire's complexity to the building's technical characteristics and the need to protect firefighters from potential structural collapse. He affirmed that protocols for mobilizing extraordinary personnel are in place and that the inspection plan remains active, with ongoing checks in the city's leisure and dining establishments.
