Lorraine Williamson
Tarifa’s holiday coast has been plunged into emergency again after a fast-moving wildfire tore through scrub in the Sierra de la Plata, fanned by fierce Levante winds.
More than 2,000 people were ordered to leave homes, hotels and beaches around Atlanterra, Bolonia and Zahara de los Atunes on Monday afternoon. Authorities say the right-hand flank, pushing into dense brush, remains the main concern as crews work through the night to keep flames from properties.
Police cleared the northern front of the Atlanterra urbanisation and nearby beachfront, along with the Meliá Zahara and El Cortijo hotels. Guests and residents were told to head out via the sand as road access into Zahara de los Atunes became choked or was shut altogether. Some evacuees spent hours on the shoreline waiting for instructions as ash fell across the bay.
Level 1 emergency and a massive response
Andalucia activated Level 1 of the Forest Fire Emergency Plan, triggering extra protection for areas outside the forest boundary. Infoca deployed a large air-and-ground operation: up to 14 aerial assets alongside scores of firefighters, engines and technical units. Local fire brigades from Tarifa and Algeciras, police and the Guardia Civil reinforced the line. A municipal sports centre was opened for evacuees, with the Red Cross assisting hundreds of people.
This morning, EMA INFOCA confirmed the fire remains active in “Operative Situation 1” and announced the deployment of four new aerial units at first light: one heavy helicopter, two light amphibious planes and one coordination aircraft. The reinforcements aim to tackle critical hotspots and improve air command over the right flank, where the risk of spread towards Atlanterra remains high.
Shortly afterwards, a further update detailed an even larger deployment in the Sierra de la Plata sector. Resources now include one heavy helicopter, two medium helicopters, two light amphibious aircraft, one heavy amphibious aircraft, one coordination plane, five fire engines, eight forest firefighting crews, four operations technicians (TOP), one extinction technician (TEX), one supervisory technician, one environmental agent (AAMM), mobile meteorology and analysis units (UMMT, UNASIF), a medical intervention unit (UMIF) and a bulldozer for creating firebreaks.
Wind, heat… and difficult terrain
With Levante gusts and August heat, the fire moved quickly across exposed slopes and thick scrub. Officials reported the left flank contained but warned the right flank still threatened forest mass above Atlanterra. The priority has been to stop the fire at the doorstep of homes and tourist complexes.
Historic heritage at risk
The blaze has raised concern for nearby prehistoric cave sites with rock art, including Cueva del Moro and the Cueva de los Alemanes. Specialists are assessing potential impacts once conditions allow safe access.
Second major fire in a week
This emergency follows a large blaze near the La Peña area just days earlier, which scorched more than 280 hectares at the height of the summer season. Communities across Cádiz have faced repeated disruption as heat and wind line up to test already stretched resources.
Travel and safety advice
Visitors in the area should follow official guidance from Infoca, 112 Andalucía and local councils, obey road closures and keep clear of operational zones. Those not evacuated are being urged to stay indoors, shut windows and doors, and avoid smoke exposure until authorities give the all-clear.
Crews made crucial stops around homes and hotels, but shifting winds and rugged terrain keep the risk high. With a saturated tourism calendar and tinder-dry hills, Tarifa may face more volatile days. Evacuation and access rules can change quickly—check local updates before travelling and factor in delays across the Atlanterra-Bolonia corridor.
Sources: El País, Cadena Ser