Police charge shooters over Montes de Malaga fire

POLICE in Malaga have charged seven people with having caused the enormous fires which ravaged Los Montes de Malaga this month on August 10.

According to the police, the seven, all aged between 50 and 67 years, are presumed to have caused the fire through negligence.

The forest fire burned through an area of 273 hectares, 40 of which belonged to a natural park. As a consequence of the fire, 17 people in the area were displaced, including employees and guests from the Hotel Rural Humaina.

The police investigations, together with environmental investigators have determined that the fire originated in the ‘Tiro Guadalmedina’ shooting range due to carelessness whilst practicing the sport.

Presumably, sparks generated from bullets hitting stones set fire to the surrounding dry vegetation.

The report will undoubtedly prompt renewed calls for a change in fire-prevention legislation, which is viewed by many to be out of date.