Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
The world-renowned chef Jose Andres is at the heart of a destructive wildfire which has forced 2,000 people to evacuate from Spain’s Costa de la Luz.
Speaking about the blaze – which started near Playa de los Alemanes on Sunday – the celebrity chef described the dramatic scene unfolding in the area where he owns property and is developing a controversial tourism project.
Andres reported that the fire started in a cave called the Moro, located just behind Playa de los Alemanes. It is currently running parallel along the coast towards Zahara de los Atunes.
“There are several helicoptors, a hydraplane and they’re doing all that is possible.”
READ MORE VIDEO EXCLUSIVE: Watch as wildfire causes chaos in Spain’s Tarifa – flames threaten millionaire villas as 2,000 flee
Many Guardia Civil members evacuated houses because of the constant danger that a fire might start in a house.
The founder of World Central Kitchen and humanitarian chef, the chef who praised emergency response, said: “Great job by all firefighters, security forces.
The truth is, there was a rapid and incredible coordination within a very short time.
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As of Tuesday, 14 air units, consisting of heavy helicopters (heavy-lift), seaplanes (coordination aircraft) and heavy helicopters were engaged in the battle against the flames. They were supported by bulldozers and ground crews.
Andres’ home, which he purchased in 2024 in the popular fishing town of Zahara De Los Atunes where Andres lives, is still threatened by fire.
Residents in the northern part of Atlanterra, as well as guests at Melia Zahara Hotel and Cortijo Hotel were evacuated.
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Preventive evacuations have also been ordered for Montaña de Los Alemanes developments and those at the foot of Sierra de la Plata.
Several caravans at campsites near Torre de la Peña have already been destroyed by the flames.
Social media user and local resident Nicolas Martin, a lawyer for workers’ rights, described the speed of the fire: “We narrowly missed a blaze that devoured and descended upon the homes within 30 minutes.”
The area is still suffering from the effects of a devastating wildfire, which began on August 5. This new blaze will be a challenge for local emergency services and residents.
READ MORE Flames are raging near the famous Bolonia and Atlanterra beach in Spain’s Tarifa.
Andres is a familiar face in the region. However, his plans to transform Bolonia into an eco-tourism hub, with partners such as Michelin-starred chef Angel Leon of Altanea and Altanea’s development company, have sparked controversy.
The trio purchased 180 hectares of land next to Bolonia in December 2024. They plan to build a sustainable tourist complex with luxury glamping facilities and restaurants.
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Environmental groups have been vehemently opposed to the controversial project, fearing that it could damage the pristine coastline near Tarifa as well as lead to an overtourism.
Critics say that the development is a threat to the delicate eco-system of the Costa de la Luz. Already, the area is under pressure because of tourism and other development.
Now, both Andrés’ property interests and his planned Bolonia development are under threat from the raging wildfire.
Andres’ restaurants, which have won multiple James Beard Awards and Michelin stars, are closely tied to the Costa de la Luz, through his wife’s family.
His World Central Kitchen charity provided millions of meals in disasters around the world, including Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria and Ukraine after the Russian invasion.
But his venture into property development is more controversial than any of his humanitarian work. Bolonia aims to become a model in eco-friendly travel, but it has caused protests from people who believe that the project will irreversibly ruin one of Spain’s best coastal areas.
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