Fire station, Manilva. Credit: Ayuntamiento de Manilva
The closure of the fire station in Manilva has caused serious concern on the west coast of Costa del Sol. Local officials and residents are worried that this move will strain emergency response teams, leaving both Manilva & Estepona vulnerable in case of an urgent incident or fire.
The Manilva station is a 15-year-old facility, but due to problems with the building, the provincial fire association plans to temporarily close the station. Official reports state that the site doesn’t meet safety standards. Poor ventilation, lack of drill space and cars blocking the exit are all problems.
Manilva’s mayor claims that the decision to close the station was taken without consulting with the town hall. He claims that the town hall has already offered nearby land as well as an adjacent building for the improvement or reconstruction of the station. Manilva’s townhall asked Malaga to reconsider their plan in a recent motion.
Estepona is also experiencing a growing concern. Local politicians warn of the dangers that will arise if Manilva firefighting team is not retained. The Estepona crew would have to cover both areas. This could increase response times and pressure on emergency personnel, particularly during the busy summer period.
Both the town halls in Manilva as well as Estepona are now calling for a quick solution. They say that closing the station would put the public’s safety in danger, as there are tens and thousands of tourists and residents in the area.
Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.