Wildfire Update: Tarifa, Andalusia – August 2023
Situation Overview: Work continues tonight on the fire’s flank, utilizing seals and heavy machinery too protect the population. Access from the Mamma Mine roundabout to Atlanter remains closed. However, the N-340 road between Barbate and Zahara is open to traffic. While the worst of the fire has passed, challenging hours remain.Evacuations: Over 2,000 people have been evacuated as a precaution. This includes:
900+ from the Atlantic, Cortijo, and Meliá Zahara hotels.
Residents of urbanizations in the Sierra de la Plata area.
1,000+ from the Atlanterra and German urbanizations.
Beachgoers in affected areas.
Authorities praise the rapid evacuation efforts by the Civil Guard, Local Police, and Civil Protection.
Current Status & Recommendations:
Residents near the fire who have not been evacuated are advised to stay indoors with doors and windows closed to avoid smoke inhalation. Evacuees from a campsite in Antonio’s area are expected to return tonight.
The Miguel de Cervantes Sports Center in Zahara remains open as a support and information point for approximately 400 evacuees, offering overnight accommodation and assistance from the Red Cross and Civil Protection.
Resources Deployed:
The Infoca firefighting force currently consists of approximately 150 professionals, including forest firefighters, technicians, and support personnel. They are equipped with:
Five pumper vehicles
A forest fire analysis and monitoring unit (UNASIF)
A mobile weather and transmission unit (UMMT)
A forest fire medical unit (UMIF)
Timeline: The first report of the fire was received at 1:45 PM,triggering a response involving Infoca,the Emergency Group of Andalusia,the Civil Guard,Cádiz Provincial Firefighters,Local Police,National Police,and Tarifa Civil Protection.
Information Resources:
Emergency Platform for Citizenship: https://ema112andalucia.es/ – Provides real-time fire status (active, stabilized, controlled, extinguished), provincial breakdowns, resource deployment information, and total fire count for Andalusia.
* Infoca & 1-1-2 Social Media: Official accounts provide ongoing updates.
