Residents evacuated en masse totaling 2,000 from the Atlanterra area due to rapidly spreading wildfire
Wildfire Rages in Sierra de la Plata, Southern Spain
A forest fire in the Sierra de la Plata near Tarifa, southern Spain, has been causing concern since it broke out on August 11, 2025. The blaze is ongoing and remains a significant threat, leading to the evacuation of over 2,000 people, primarily from Atlanterra and nearby coastal areas such as Zahara de los Atunes.
The fire is being complicated by strong easterly winds, known as levante, reaching up to 50 km/h, which are hindering firefighting efforts and increasing the risk of spread. To combat the wildfire, the Andalusian regional wildfire emergency plan (Plan Infoca) has activated an emergency phase (Situación Operativa 1). More than 100 emergency personnel, including four Firefighting Reinforcement Brigades (BRIF), have been deployed in the area.
Both land and aerial firefighting units are actively working to control the fire. The Guardia Civil and Protección Civil have coordinated evacuations and the provision of temporary housing for evacuees and their livestock in surrounding towns such as Barbate, Conil, and Vejer de la Frontera.
As of mid-August 2025, the fire has affected an estimated 283 hectares of forest and farmland near landmarks like Cueva del Moro and the Bolonia beach. This blaze follows previous fires in the region but restarted shortly after authorities declared earlier ones extinguished.
The broader context includes numerous wildfires across Spain due to a heatwave, with over 120,000 hectares burned nationally in recent weeks and increased military and emergency personnel involvement.
During the night shift, 150 ground crew, 5 'Autobombas' (High capacity fire trucks), and 1 unit of heavy weight machinery will be battling the flames. People have been asked not to return to their homes for the night as winds become unpredictable.
Locals are also offering stabling and fields for livestock as flames consume farmland. The fire is located in a mountainous area near the well-known Cueva del Moro, approximately opposite the beach of Bolonia. Authorities are urging residents and visitors to avoid the affected zone and to follow official updates from emergency services.
Plan Infoca has deployed additional firefighting resources to combat the wildfire, including two light amphibious aircraft, two helicopters, two fire engines, six groups of forest firefighters, and resources from the Provincial Fire Consortium of Cadiz. The municipality of Tarifa is coordinating closely with Plan Infoca and other emergency services, and local police and Guardia Civil are present in the area to assist with operational needs and public safety.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and to cooperate fully with emergency instructions until the situation is fully under control. The wildfire in Sierra de la Plata follows closely on the heels of a recent fire in the nearby area of La Peña in Tarifa, which began on August 5 and burned approximately 283 hectares. Authorities remain vigilant and committed to protecting both residents and the natural environment from further damage.
Scientists are closely monitoring the wildfire in Sierra de la Plata, as the environmental-science implications could be significant due to the damage to the local vegetation and animal habitats. Moreover, the ongoing weather conditions, particularly the strong levante winds, are exacerbating the fire and raising concerns about its potential impact on the regional climate.
