Motorhome from Torre campsite potentially responsible for the ignition of Tarifa fire
Fire in Tarifa, Cádiz: Evacuation Efforts Successful, Fire Remains Active
A wildfire that broke out in Tarifa, Cádiz, on Tuesday afternoon, August 5, 2025, is currently under control, but remains active. The fire, which started in the La Peña area near Tarifa, was caused by a motorhome catching fire[2][4].
The Minister of Presidency, Interior, Social Dialogue and Administrative Simplification of Andalusia, Antonio Sanz, announced the incorporation of two planes and several helicopters to fight the fire. He also stated that the southern zone, the zone next to the road, has been stabilized, but there are still smoldering points[1].
The rapid spread of the fire led to the evacuation of over 1,500 people and 5,000 vehicles[1]. Emergency services conducted these evacuations "in record time," including residents from hotels, campsites, and beach bars. By August 6-7, many of these evacuees were able to return as the fire stabilized[1].
The fire has burned over 600 hectares, and firefighting efforts involved multiple teams and resources, including eight groups of forest firefighters, five fire trucks, four reinforcement brigades, numerous environmental agents, and 17 aircraft[1][3]. More than a hundred Plan Infoca workers are working on the ground in the fire, along with the announced planes and helicopters.
The origin of the fire is confirmed to be in the area of the Torre camping, but a thorough investigation is necessary before a definitive conclusion is made[1]. The affected people will not be able to return to their homes as there is still significant activity on the northern and eastern fronts of the fire.
The operations committee met at 3:00 AM on Wednesday, August 6, and points of attention to evacuees have been set up in the La Marina pavilion and in the Inturjoven hostel. Vigilance points have been established during the night.
Sanz has called for an evaluation of the hectares burned once the fire is definitively perimetered. He also announced the opening of the National Road N-340 through the X social network, but insisted that access to hotels, houses, and campings is impossible given the risk situation.
The Junta has asked for calm and patience, and has thanked the José Andrés Foundation for sending food to the affected people. Sanz also expressed gratitude to the emergency services and the public for their cooperation during the crisis. He urged everyone to follow the instructions of the authorities and to stay vigilant as the firefighting efforts continue.
Despite the fire in Tarifa, Cádiz being undercontrol, it remains active, posing a continued threat to the environment, given its size of over 600 hectares. In the field of environmental science, understanding the possible influences of the weather on such wildfires could aid in preventative measures and future firefighting strategies.
