Wildfires in Tarifa update: lighter found in the ashes of a devastating blaze which forced more than 2,000 people out of beach resorts and campsites

A used lighter was found among the ashes of the wildfire that destroyed a large area of forestland last week in Tarifa.

The deputy delegate of the government of Cadiz, Blanca Flores, confirmed the discovery on Friday, but admitted that the finding was only a ‘clue’ as investigators continue to delve into the possible origins of the fire.

Flores said that if human hands are proven to be behind the crime, then the entire weight of the law will fall on the perpetrators. Europa Press. 

During the height of Cadiz tourism, two fires raged near homes, hotels and camping sites. More than 3,500 tourists and residents were evacuated. 

READ MORE Spain’s suspicious blazes: Fires at Tarifa and UNESCO site Las Medulas declared ‘intentional’ while firefighter started separate inferno ‘to give himself more work’

The Spanish countryside has been ravaged by fires that have destroyed nearly 600 hectares in the last few days. This is due to high temperatures and unseasonably dry conditions.  

As the summer heatwave continues to grip Europe, Spanish firefighters are struggling with it.

Authorities in Tarifa already stated that one of the fires, which forced over 2,000 people to evacuate and destroyed more than 300 hectares (over a mile) of protected woodlands was deliberately set on fire.

Last week, Andalucia Councillor Antonio Sanz said at a press briefing that “we are dealing with malicious intentions, bad faith and efforts to cause harm.”

According to authorities, the fire originated in a ‘hidden area behind a rock’.

The investigation continues.

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