Tourists and locals have been evacuated from beach resorts in southern Spain following a dramatic forest fire.
The latest wildfire in the nation, following an out-of-control blaze in Madrid last month, has seen flames spread in the hills of Torre de la Peña, threatening campsites near the hugely popular resort of Tarifa in Cadiz in Andalusia. Aircraft have been scrambled in the desperate rescue operation, and to extinguish the flames.
But strong gusts are aiding the fire’s spread and photographs show thick black smoke billow above deserted beaches. Roads, including the N-340 highway, are closed and all bars, restaurants and hotels have been evacuated in the approximate two miles between La Peña and Casas de Porros, reports local newspaper Europa Sur.
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Small beach bars in ‘surfer’s paradise’ also evacuated due to the fire
Several beach bars – known as chiringuitos – have also been evacuated due to the large amounts of ash being carried down to the shore.
The blaze was first reported at around 4pm on Tuesday. The current firefighting operation involves five helicopters, two water-carrying planes, a coordination plane, five forest fire ground crews and more.
Tarifa is often branded a “surfer’s paradise” due to its extremely wide beaches and tall waves.
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Roads closed following fire said to have started at campsite
The fire is snaking very close to the N-340 highway and the Estrecho Natural Park – the former of which has been partially closed between Las Piñas and Pedro Valiente.
According to the local police, the fire started in a motorhome at the Torre la Peña campsite, which also had to be evacuated.
The flames then blew westward, away from the campsite, and spread rapidly through a hilly and grassland area where homes and tourist establishments are scattered – including the Wawa Hotel, which is reported to have been affected by the fire.
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Restaurants, bars and hotels evacuated in part of Cadiz
The wildfire has forced tourists and locals to evacuate between La Peña and Casas de Porros in Cadiz.
Flames have soared from the Torre de la Peña hills – home to campsites – and are said to be spreading quickly. Several caravans at the campsites are said to have been burned.
Tourism is hugely important in the area and early August is a busy time as it is the summer holidays across Europe, including for Brits many of whom flock to southern Spain for their getaways.