A vegetation fire broke out in Ibiza on Thursday afternoon near an informal settlement, prompting emergency services to close an elevated crossing as firefighters worked to contain the flames.
The fire was reported at around 14:25 in an area of low vegetation between Ibiza's second ring road and the island's electricity plant, near the Camí de Cas Ferró.
Seven firefighters and two fire engines were deployed to the incident, which was brought under control after approximately one hour.
No personal injuries have been reported.
Fire Breaks Out Near Camí de Cas Ferró
The fire started shortly before 14:30 in an area containing dry vegetation and low scrub close to the second ring road and Camí de Cas Ferró.
The location is near the road leading towards the Recinto Ferial de Ibiza and the electricity plant.
Smoke became visible across parts of Ibiza Town as firefighters worked to prevent the flames from spreading.
The affected area was limited, according to the latest reports.
Informal Settlement Located Nearby
Several reports identify informal accommodation structures close to the area where the fire occurred.
The Consell d'Eivissa has said the fire could have originated in an informal settlement located on the same land.
However, the exact origin of the fire has not been confirmed by firefighters or the Consell.
The cause therefore remains under investigation.
It is also not currently confirmed whether anyone living in the nearby settlement was affected by the fire.
Elevated Crossing Closed
The fire also affected traffic in the area.
Policía Local de Vila and Policía Nacional officers closed access to the elevated crossing while emergency services worked at the scene.
The closure occurred around the time nearby schools were finishing classes, increasing traffic in the surrounding area.
The authorities restricted access as a precaution while the emergency operation was underway.
Seven Firefighters and Two Fire Engines Deployed
The Ibiza fire service sent seven firefighters and two fire engines to tackle the flames.
The fire was brought under control after approximately an hour.
The latest reports indicate that the fire affected a limited area of vegetation and low scrub and did not cause personal injuries.
There is no indication that the nearby electricity plant itself caught fire.
Smoke Visible Across Ibiza Town
The fire produced a significant column of smoke that was visible from different parts of Ibiza Town.
Wind conditions pushed some of the smoke towards the urban area.
People in the surrounding area reported seeing the smoke from roads and nearby properties while emergency services remained at the scene.
The elevated crossing was also closed to prevent people from entering the immediate area.
Cause Remains Unknown
At this stage, authorities have not established the cause of the fire.
The fact that an informal settlement is located nearby does not establish that the fire started there.
The Consell has indicated that the fire could have originated in the settlement, but this remains unconfirmed.
No further conclusion about the origin of the fire should therefore be drawn until the investigation establishes what happened.
Fire Brought Under Control
By mid-afternoon, the flames and smoke had begun to diminish and firefighters had brought the incident under control.
The latest information indicates that the fire was limited to vegetation and low scrub and that there were no reported personal injuries.
The incident nevertheless prompted a temporary traffic restriction and a significant emergency response because of its proximity to roads, the urban area and nearby informal accommodation.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.