Tourists and residents have been forced to flee their accommodation in Grazalema, Cádiz, as a ferocious wildfire threatens the popular holiday hotspot. The Hotel Fuerte and several homes were evacuated as thick smoke rose behind a swimming pool, with shocking images showing flames engulfing the area.
Wildfires Rage Across Southern Europe
Hundreds of firefighters are battling wildfires in Portugal, Greece, and Spain amid extreme conditions, with temperatures soaring above 40°C in recent weeks. In Grazalema, nearly 200 people were told to leave their properties due to forest fires in the natural park, a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Andalusian Forest Fire Prevention and Extinction Service worked tirelessly to control the blaze, which affected a 200-hectare area. It was brought under control on the morning of July 7, 2026. "The situation has improved, there are no flames at the moment and only areas of smouldering," said Andalucia’s regional minister Antonio Sanz. He added that the job now was for "microsurgery" with the use of planes to target areas where there is still heat, warning of the danger of rekindling.
Ecological Impact and Investigation
The fire covered an area of ecological importance, including an oak forest. Its cause is under investigation. Sanz said fire crews will remain in the area until the fire is fully controlled and extinguished. The Andalusian Forest Fire Prevention and Extinction Service posted on X: "#IFGrazalema (#Cádiz). El Alamillo area. Operational situation 1. Following the night-time work, the firefighting command will conduct a reconnaissance flight to assess the fire's situation. Subsequently, the operations committee will meet."
Just five months ago, people were forced to evacuate accommodation in Grazalema due to the risk of landslides caused by record-breaking rains from Storm Leonardo.
Wider Wildfire Crisis
The Grazalema fire is part of a broader wildfire crisis across Europe. In Greece, authorities urged residents in parts of Thessaloniki to remain indoors and shut their windows due to toxic smoke from a burning recycling plant engulfed by a wildfire. Another major wildfire broke out Sunday afternoon west of Athens, with 210 firefighters, volunteers, and 29 aircraft deployed to battle the blaze in the Mandra area.
In Spain, a wildfire that began on Friday in the northeastern Girona region burned nearly 2,200 hectares before being brought under control on Sunday.
