Date Published: 12/08/2025

Watch! Second Tarifa wildfire in one week

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Emergency crews battle strong winds to protect homes as second major blaze hits Tarifa in a week

Nuevo incendio en Tarifa y Zahara de los Atunes (Cádiz). Conviene recordar que Juanma Moreno del PP dejó el año pasado sin utilizar 120 millones de euros para prevenir incendios forestales y que los bomberos forestales andaluces ganan menos de 1.400 euros por jugarse la vida. pic.twitter.com/Vyf6uGMNEl
— Fonsi Loaiza (@FonsiLoaiza) August 11, 2025

Mass evacuations as fire spreads

More than 2,000 people have been evacuated from beaches, hotels and homes in the Atlanterra and Montaña de Los Alemanes areas after a wildfire broke out on Monday 11 August in the Sierra de la Plata, near Tarifa.

The blaze, which started at around 2.20pm, yesterday on August 11, spread quickly in the hot, dry conditions and was driven by strong easterly winds gusting up to 50km/h. Residents who were not told to leave have been urged to remain indoors and keep windows shut due to thick smoke.

Antonio Sanz, Andalucía’s Minister of the Presidency and the Interior, said the situation was “very complex” but confirmed that the most serious danger had been avoided “in extremis.”

Traffic jams were reported as people left beaches and beach bars, while videos shared on social media showed flames uncomfortably close to homes.

Hotels, campsites and homes evacuated

Emergency teams ordered the pre-emptive evacuation of the frontline in Atlanterra, followed by several hotels including the Meliá and the Cortijo, along with nearby residential developments.

Around 174 people are being housed at the Miguel de Cervantes Sports Centre in Zahara, which has been set up to provide shelter and information for those affected. The Red Cross and Civil Protection are also assisting evacuees.

A campsite near the Hotel Antonio is expected to reopen soon, as it lies outside the danger zone. However, Sanz confirmed that those forced from their homes would not be able to return overnight.

Firefighting efforts

The Infoca Plan quickly expanded its deployment from five to 14 aircraft on Monday, including helicopters, amphibious planes and a coordination plane, along with five fire engines and multiple ground crews.

Air resources have been focusing on the left flank of the fire to protect built-up areas, while firefighters and Infoca teams have established a safety perimeter around homes. The right flank, a large forested area, remains a concern due to the shifting winds.

Helicopters have been refilling directly from Los Alemanes beach, swooping low over swimmers to collect water before returning to the flames.

Wind hampers progress

Officials have warned that changing wind direction has made the fire spread far faster than expected, with reports of secondary fires starting up to 500 metres ahead of the main front.

The Guardia Civil, local police and the Cádiz Fire Consortium are all supporting the operation, managing traffic and helping with evacuations on the narrow coastal road linking Atlanterra and Zahara de los Atunes.

Although no injuries have been reported among the public, a Guardia Civil officer was taken to hospital after being hit by a car while assisting in the operation. His injuries are not thought to be serious.

Recent history

This is the second major fire in the Tarifa area this month. Just six days earlier, on August 5, a blaze in La Peña destroyed 283 hectares and forced the evacuation of about 1,500 people and 5,000 vehicles.

Sanz praised the “great work” of firefighting teams and the “exemplary civic spirit” of those evacuated, but warned that the coming hours remain “intense, complex and dangerous.”

Video: Fonsi Loaiza/X.com

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