188 people forced out as forest fire strikes Grazalema, near Ronda

Evacuation numbers were raised to 188 on Monday night from a forest fire near Grazalema, a village in Cadiz province. The start of the blaze began shortly after 1pm at El Alamillo in the Sierra de Grazalema mountain area, near Ronda. Evacuations affected second homes in the Gadiovar area and roughly a dozen hotels plus rural lodges nearby.

Smoke and ash spread quickly to the nearby village of Zahara de la Sierra and appeared visible from Algodonales and from Ronda.

Rapid spread forces road closures

Flames advanced into Las Veguetas and crossed over the main road to Ronda. Closures hit that road and the Grazalema-Zahara link via Ribera del Gaidovar, where more evacuations continued. Slopes and valleys in the park helped the fire move faster than expected.

Extensive resources tackle blaze

Andalucia’s emergency agency activated INFOCA operational ‘situation one’ (the highest alert) over risks to people and property. An advanced command post was opened in Grazalema’s main square, previously used in the dramatic February floods.

Over 150 ground workers as well as 15 aircraft were sent to tackle the fire. Focus was kept on the right flank, advancing to Ribera del Gaidovar with a pending possible southerly wind change that would increase intensity.

Initial evacuation figures break down

Numbers included 60 guests at the Hotel Fuerte in Grazalema, 40 from nearby homes and nine from La Vegueta. Even more residents were forced to leave Ribera del Gaidovar later. Flames had not reached the hotel or houses so far, though rural spots with animals were seriously exposed.

Temporary housing options made available

Staff opened El Olivar pavilion for those displaced. Only one family used it at first while most went to second family homes in the village. Zahara de la Sierra prepared its town hall function room for people affected by road cuts and trapped in the area.

Leaders stress precautionary approach

Vice President Antonio Sanz of the Junta de Andalucia said that this was a second major challenge for Grazalema after the floods. He issued a message calling for calm, and confirming resources focused on saving inhabited areas. Elevated temperatures and the Levante wind kept influencing the fire in the rugged sierra terrain. Officials warned evacuation totals could rise further.