A fire has ripped through several rooms at a hotel in a Spanish city loved by British tourists. Smoke could be seen engulfing the windows of the Ibis Hotel in Malaga as the fire spread.
Emergency services were called to the scene on Monday and firefighters tackled the blaze for over 18 hours. There are no reports of injuries.
It is understood the blaze broke out in the Le Grand Cafe bar on the ground floor of the hotel. Local reports said Malaga City Council’s Security Department said the fire affected the entire bar area and at least 70 per cent of the hotel.
Euro Weekly reported that Benito Martínez, head of the operation, said that around 600 square metres burned completely in the cafe. Similar damage hit the first floor where fire load concentrated, with flames and smoke reaching upper levels.
Hotel staff and emergency teams evacuated and relocated guests with priority given to elderly visitors, those who felt unwell, and families with young children. Firefighters also attempted to retrieve essential items such as passports, plane tickets, and documents for departing guests wherever possible, the news outlet also added.
The fire service remained at the scene until today (Tuesday, 26 May) as the blaze reached the roof of the building. The fire service, however, said the blaze was “under control,” although smoke continues to billow from the building.
Residents in the area have been told to keep windows and doors shut as a precaution.