Spain wildfires force evacuation of restaurants and bars near holiday resorts
Holidaymakers and residents have been forced to flee beach resorts across southern Spain after a rapidly spreading wildfire broke out close to the popular coastal town of Tarifa in Cadiz, Andalusia.
The inferno started at approximately 4pm on Tuesday when flames erupted from a motorhome at Torre de la Pena campsite, quickly racing across the drought-stricken, mountainous landscape and threatening residential areas, campsites, and tourist hotspots.
Fierce winds have intensified the blaze, shrouding neighbouring beaches in thick black smoke and forcing authorities to close the N-340 highway between Las Pinas and Pedro Valiente, the Mirror reports.
Emergency crews, including five helicopters, two water-bombing aircraft, a coordination plane, and multiple ground teams, are battling against the flames.
Multiple caravans have already been destroyed by the fire, whilst venues including the Wawa Hotel and popular beachside bars known as chiringuitos have been forced to evacuate.
Authorities have confirmed no injuries have occurred so far.
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Tarifa's Mayor Jose Antonio Santos told La Sexta that the blaze represents "the fastest-spreading fire I've ever seen", describing the circumstances as "unprecedented" for the region.
Local publication Europa Sur has confirmed that restaurants and hotels across roughly 3km from La Pena to Casas de Porros have been evacuated, reports the Irish Mirror.
Beachgoers have received urgent warnings, whilst Algeciras Mayor Jose Ignacio Landaluce has pledged support for the emergency response.
The public is being urged to avoid The vicinity, particularly as key access routes are still shut.
The fire is dangerously close to the Estrecho Natural Park, and precautions are being taken to protect nearby communities, including Valdevaqueros. INFOCA, the Andalusian wildfire response agency, is leading coordination efforts on the ground.
Operations at Gibraltar Airport - the closest airport just 48km away - remain unaffected, with all scheduled flights running on time.
This recent blaze follows a string of wildfires across the Iberian Peninsula, including a significant one near Madrid last month. Officials throughout Spain and Portugal remain on high alert as the ongoing extreme summer heat and dry conditions pose a serious wildfire risk.
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