WITH PARTS of Spain under yellow AEMET weather warnings for high temperatures, and people (and ‘campos’) parching in the August sun, this week has brought a stark reminder of Andalucía’s vulnerability during wildfire season. There have been wildfires in Tarifa (Cádiz), Carataunas (Granada region). and Cádiar (Granada).
The recent spate of wildfires highlight the need to stay informed and have an emergency plan if a fire is close to your rural property (in particular) or even your townhouse.
INFOCA, the Spanish firefighting agency, is busy during August. The INFOCA website is a valuable source of information for the status of wildfires.
The Tarifa (Cádiz) wildfire
The most severe blaze of the week broke out on Tuesday 6 August near La Peña, close to the popular Torre de la Peña campsite and the Valdevaqueros beach area on the Costa de la Luz. Fanned by strong Levante winds, the fire spread rapidly through protected natural parkland. More than 1,500 people were evacuated from campsites, hostels and rural properties, with emergency shelters set up at La Marina sports centre and the Inturjoven youth hostel. At its peak, the emergency response included 17 aircraft, ground brigades, forest fire engines, and logistics support. The fire was stabilised by Wednesday afternoon but remains under close surveillance.
Carataunas (Alpujarra, Granada)
On Wednesday 6 August, a fire was reported at around 16:10 in scrubland above the village of Carataunas, not far from Órgiva. Several ‘cortijos’ in the area were evacuated and part of the A-1432 that connects Órgiva with the Alpujarra Alta was closed for several hours. INFOCA responded swiftly, deploying helicopters, water-bombing planes, fire engines and ground teams.
Thanks to favourable conditions and rapid intervention, the fire was stabilised by 18:50. However, a reignition of a patch of the fire occurred on the morning of Thursday 7 August. This concerned some residents, who have witnessed resumed helicopter activity. The fire is still classed as “stablised” by INFOCA.
Cádiar (Granada)
On Monday 3 August, a wildfire broke out in the Cádiar area of the eastern Alpujarra, near Yator. Seven aircraft and multiple ground units were deployed, supported by medical and coordination teams. The fire affected hillside terrain but did not reach inhabited areas. It was controlled by Tuesday morning.
What can you do about wildfires?
The recent spate of wildfires in Andalucia highlight how quickly a fire can start and conditions turn dangerous during the hottest months. Extreme heat, dry vegetation, and any sort of breeze can combine to create high-risk wildfire conditions.
It is important to follow a few rules to avoid causing a wildfire, or making yourself more vulnerable to a blaze.
- No open flames: Barbecues, bonfires, and burning garden waste are strictly prohibited in forested and rural areas during fire season.
- Clear your land: Property owners should remove dry grass, dead wood, and flammable material from around their homes and boundaries. Make sure there is a clear space between your property and the nearby treeline.
- Have a fire extinguisher to hand (and a hose): You don’t want an out-of-control chip pan in your rural ‘cortijo’ to set alight the entire zone!
- Do not throw cigarette butts out of car windows: As well as being a fire hazard, it can gain you 6 points on your driving license.
- Be alert: If you see smoke, flames or suspicious activity, call 112 immediately. Don’t assume someone else already has phoned.
- Have an escape plan: Especially if you have animals, have a plan for how you will evacuate your property, depending on the location and course of the fire. Don’t ty to save that document you hid in the desk drawer – focus on your safety.
- Don’t fall asleep if a wildfire is nearby: You need to keep aware.
- Never go to view a fire: This might sound a no-brainer but it happens! Not only will you get in the way of the emergency services – you could be killed.
Stay informed:
Use the Infoca app or follow @Plan_INFOCA on X (formerly Twitter) for verified updates, real-time fire maps, and alerts. The Wildfire Watch app is also a vital download for your mobile phone.