Fire destroys parts of migrant camp in Spanish enclave of Ceuta

On the night of September 10, 2026, a fire broke out in a migrant camp located in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, causing significant damage to several tents. Spanish police reported that the facility was successfully evacuated, resulting in no injuries among the residents. Preliminary investigations by the authorities suggest that the fire was accidental, likely caused by a candle, a cigarette, or a small cooking fire within the camp.

Ceuta, a small Spanish territory in North Africa spanning 18.5 square kilometers with a population of 80,000, currently hosts thousands of migrants. These individuals arrived following a mass influx of approximately 70,000 people on July 30 and 31. While the majority of those migrants returned to Morocco shortly after their arrival, thousands remained in the enclave to await identity verification and asylum processing. The situation in the area has grown increasingly tense, marked by frequent protests from the local population demanding action. Authorities continue to manage the identification process as the camp remains a central hub for those still awaiting legal determination regarding their status.