Thousands evacuated due to forest fire near Spanish resort of Tarifa

More than 2,000 people have been brought to safety due to a forest fire near the holiday resort of Tarifa in southern Spain.

Those affected included beachgoers, guests of holiday resorts and residents in the area of Playa de Atlanterra and Playa de Bolonia, around 25 kilometres north-west of Tarifa’s city centre, the interior minister of the Andalusia region, Antonio Sanz, reported on Monday.

According to official information, the flames broke out on Monday morning in the eucalyptus and pine forests of the Sierra de la Plata mountains. It was stated that the fire initially spread rapidly towards the coast.

Over 100 emergency personnel were battling the flames on the ground on Monday evening. They were supported by 14 firefighting planes and helicopters.

Strong winds with gusts of up to 50 kilometres per hour are making the firefighting efforts more difficult.

Just under a week ago, the area around Tarifa in the province of Cádiz was already affected by a forest fire. At that time, several hotels, settlements and a campsite in the La Peña area were evacuated, with around 1,500 tourists and residents brought to safety.

The flames, which could only be extinguished two days ago, destroyed a relatively small area – 280 hectares – but caused great concern for the authorities.

On Monday, the regions of Galicia and Castile and León in the north-west of Spain were also hit by several larger forest and vegetation fires.