Spain evacuates tourists as wildfires and heatwave blaze through Andalusian village

A severe heatwave in southern Spain pushed temperatures above 40 °C, drying vegetation and sparking wildfires in the Andalusian village of Grazalema, province of Cádiz. The blaze threatened residential areas and hotels, prompting authorities to order the mandatory evacuation of tourists and locals from the village and nearby accommodations.

Firefighters, including helicopters, water‑dropping aircraft, and ground crews, struggled against strong winds while road closures on routes A‑372 and CA‑9123 were imposed. Andalusian interior minister Antonio Sanz warned that the conditions made suppression extremely difficult. The incident forms part of a broader wave of wildfires across Southern Europe, with similar evacuations reported in France and firefighting resources being shared among EU nations.

Red heat alerts were issued for the affected regions, underscoring the heightened risk to health and property. Officials continue to monitor the fire’s spread and work to protect the surrounding natural park and remaining structures.