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A major wildfire that broke out near the Torre de la Peña area in Tarifa yesterday afternoon has forced the evacuation of more than 1,500 people, including holidaymakers staying at campsites and local hotels.

 

The fire, which started around 3.00pm on Tuesday August 5, quickly spread due to strong easterly winds, prompting authorities to activate emergency phase 1 less than two hours later. The evacuation included the Torre de la Peña and Valdevaqueros campsites, the Hotel La Wawa, beach bar El Tumbao, and the Casa de Porros and Valdevaqueros areas.

 

In total, 94 people spent the night in temporary accommodation, with 52 staying at Tarifa’s La Marina sports hall and 42 more housed at Inturjoven in Algeciras.

 

Efforts to control the fire continued into the night and into this morning. Emergency crews successfully stabilised the southern flank, which was closest to homes and tourist accommodation, although work is still ongoing on the more active northern and eastern sides.

 

The Minister for the Presidency and Interior, Antonio Sanz, who visited the scene early this morning, praised the response and urged locals to “be patient,” saying “our main objective is to ensure their safety.” He added that the night had been “complex and very intense” due to shifting local winds.

 

At the peak of the emergency, up to 17 aircraft were involved in firefighting efforts. This morning, six were still in operation, alongside nearly 150 personnel on the ground including forest firefighters, emergency technicians, BRICA (rescue brigade) specialists, and medical units.

 

Local police, civil protection officers, and the Guardia Civil are maintaining access restrictions around the affected area. The N-340 road remains closed in both directions between kilometres 73 and 76. Drivers are urged to avoid the area and follow the instructions of authorities on the ground.

 

Since the fire began, the 112 emergency service has received over 200 calls from concerned residents and visitors. A dedicated citizen emergency platform is providing live updates and information on active fires across Andalucía.

 

Sanz thanked all the emergency crews for their “great work” and said the aim is to return people to their homes and holiday accommodation as soon as it is safe to do so.

 

 

 

Image: Junta de Andalucia