Spanish emergency services have contained a dangerous forest fire that broke out on Saturday night in the Cabo Tiñoso natural park near Cartagena. Extremely difficult weather conditions, including gusty winds, forced authorities to evacuate approximately 80 camping trailers from the Rambla de la Azohía area. During the rescue operation, two tourists were saved from a cave located right by the seashore, whose lives were directly threatened by the approaching flames.

Evacuation of Campers

Due to the fire threat, a decision was made to evacuate 80 camping trailers and approximately 50 people from the Rambla de la Azohía area.

Successful Rescue Operation

A Civil Guard unit rescued two tourists trapped in a seaside cave; their condition was described as good.

Scale of Environmental Damage

Initial reports indicate the burning of approximately 100 hectares in the protected area of Sierra de la Muela near Cartagena.

On Saturday night into Sunday, a violent forest fire broke out in the protected area of Cabo Tiñoso, located in the municipality of Cartagena. The fire was spotted around 21:43 by the crew of a maritime rescue vessel. Firefighting efforts were hampered by gusty winds affecting eastern Spain at the time. The flames were visible from many kilometers away, causing concern among local residents and tourists vacationing in the Murcia region. At the peak of the battle against the blaze, authorities decided on a preventive evacuation. Approximately 80 camping trailers and 50 people were removed from the Rambla de la Azohía area and recreational zones. A key moment in the operation was the rescue of two tourists who were trapped in a cave close to the seashore. They were safely picked up by the Guadalorce unit, belonging to the Civil Guard. According to initial estimates from the regional fire protection plan Infomur, the fire destroyed around 100 hectares of ecologically valuable land. Spain has been grappling with increasingly frequent forest fires for years, linked to climate change and periods of extreme drought, particularly severe in the southern and eastern regions.100 ha — of valuable natural terrain burned„The Civil Guard is heading to the fire area to try to rescue two tourists located in a nearby cave.” — Fernando López Miras The situation began to improve on Sunday morning when the wind weakened and additional forest brigades could join the operation. Firefighters reported the fire was stabilized by midday, but numerous units remained on site to extinguish remaining hot spots. Cabo Tiñoso is an area of high ecological value, characterized by wild nature and steep slopes, making any such disaster a huge blow to the local ecosystem. The cause of the third-degree fire risk outbreak is currently under investigation by authorities.Course of Action in Cabo Tiñoso: February 14, 21:43 — ; February 15, midnight — ; February 15, 05:00 — ; February 15, 10:00 —

Mentioned People

  • Fernando López Miras — President of the Murcia region, who informed about the progress of the rescue operation on social media.