Two people, aged 41 and 66, died this Monday after a fire broke out on a fifth floor terrace in Fuengirola. Emergency responders reported the incident to 112 Andalusia, noting a large plume of smoke visible across the city and along the highway. The fire began around 13:05 on Miramar Street, drawing a swift and extensive response from multiple agencies.
Two residents, including a man, died at the scene. Three other members of the same family were seriously injured by smoke inhalation and were transported to Costa del Sol Hospital in Marbella. The injured were identified as an elderly man aged 71, a 30-year-old man, and a 60-year-old woman, all from the same household. The 60-year-old woman and the 71-year-old man were placed in intensive care in serious condition and required intubation due to smoke exposure. The 30-year-old man remained under medical observation, according to official reports.
Two additional residents of the affected block received treatment for smoke exposure on site at an advanced medical post, with emergency teams stationed nearby to ensure rapid aid for those injured.
The building and the surrounding street were closed to traffic as responders secured the area and coordinated the evacuation effort.
The incident prompted an extensive deployment of security forces and medical personnel. Firefighters from Mijas, Fuengirola, and Benalmádena, along with Local Police, National Police, Civil Guard, and medical crews, converged on Miramar Street. The operation was led by the Fire Department officers in charge of Fuengirola, with support from 061 services.
By about 17:50, firefighters began to reclaim portions of the building and start allowing residents to return home. Some residents who had fled their apartments remained trapped by heavy smoke and had to be evacuated in stages. By 18:30 the situation was largely under control, though pockets of fire persisted in some units. Many families were forced to spend the night away from their homes due to smoke and structural damage.
Fuengirola City Council expressed sorrow over the loss of life and announced three days of official mourning starting Tuesday, January 10 at 9:00 a.m. Emergency responders continued to assist residents as the night approached.
Emergency services reported that large numbers of personnel remained on Miramar Street to monitor the scene and provide support to those displaced by the incident.
Origin and investigation details were discussed by Fuengirola’s Fire Chief, José Julián Bueno. He explained that a fire of this magnitude is not produced by ordinary ground loads and that the development phase was lengthy, driven by a very high heat load and potential fuel sources still unidentified. He noted that once entry was gained, walls had collapsed, complicating efforts to determine what exactly was inside the structure. As the investigation continued, firefighters remained on site into the evening to manage hidden fuel pockets and reconstruct the situation as the building’s framework settled. The intent was to neutralize remaining hotspots and ensure the structure did not reignite.
Residents who were displaced due to the fire would need accommodation elsewhere for the night, and local officials announced plans to assess the property’s condition when safe access could be guaranteed. Elevator service and other essential amenities were disrupted as the building underwent damage assessment and stabilization efforts.