A FIRE that caused hundreds of tourists and locals to be evacuated in the Sierra de Cadiz this week may have been started by a negligent worker using power tools.
Around 188 people were moved from homes and a hotel in the picturesque mountain town of Grazalema on Monday as a wildfire threatened residential areas.
The Guardia Civil are now investigating an individual at a nearby rural tourist cottage who had been working on a sheet metal roof for a barn containing hay and straw for horses.
It is believed that the worker was using tools liable to create sparks near these flammable stable materials without taking the necessary precautions.
The fire was declared around 2pm on Monday, which went on to incinerate nearly two and a half square kilometres of land.
Most of the evacuees were staying at the ‘El Fuerte’ hotel, or in rural cottages dotted around the Sierra de Cadiz.
A worker from this hotel confirmed to The Olive Press that all guests were warned an hour beforehand that a possible evacuation could take place.
“The process went very smoothly, despite the scary situation,” she said.
Some evacuees sought refuge around Grazalema while others were moved to the nearby town of Zahara de la Sierra, where they stayed overnight as firefighters worked to control the flames.
The deputy for Health, Presidency and Emergencies, Antonio Sanz, confirmed that the fire was ‘stabilised’ and assured both tourists and residents alike that people ‘may return to their homes and hotels’.
The two roads that were closed to traffic have also been reopened.
It’s the second time this year that the town of Grazalema has seen evacuations. Record-breaking rainfall last February saw experts worry that underground aquifers would fill up and create the risk of landslides or even seismic movement.
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