Grazalema forest fire forces evacuations and prompts investigation

A forest fire erupted near El Alamillo in the Sierra de Grazalema, Cádiz province, burning between 215 and 222 hectares of protected land. The blaze forced more than 180 people to evacuate, including guests and staff from two hotels (including Hotel El Fuerte) and dozens of homes and rural lodgings. Authorities activated the highest emergency level of the regional Plan Infoca, deploying over 150 ground workers, 15 aircraft, five autobombas and several vehicles to contain the flames. By early July the fire was declared stabilized and the operational level reduced to zero, though crews remained on‑scene for final monitoring. The Civil Guard opened an investigation into a rural‑accommodation employee from Campobuche, suspected of causing the fire while installing metal plates on a barn roof without proper safety measures. The investigation cites possible gross negligence during maintenance work. Regional officials, including Vice‑President Antonio Sanz, thanked emergency personnel and urged the public to follow safety instructions.