Ten towns near the Costa Brava coast in Spain have been placed under quarantine due to a wildfire that broke out on Friday, according to local fire services. The blaze erupted near La Bisbal d’Emparda, about 20 kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea, forcing the evacuation of 150 people, including 70 children at a summer camp. Authorities warn of more fires as a heatwave grips the country.
The fire, fanned by strong winds, quickly spread through forested areas, producing a dense cloud of smoke. More than 200 firefighters and 11 aircraft units are battling the flames, dropping water on the affected zone. Catalan Interior Minister Nuria Parlon reported that the fire has already consumed 1,280 hectares of land. Regional leader Salvador Illa has requested military assistance to support the firefighting efforts.
The quarantine affects ten municipalities, meaning no one can enter or leave them. Local authorities are urging residents and tourists to follow restrictions. The area is popular with summer visitors, adding to the complexity of the operation. Police have arrested a man suspected of starting the fire, the Catalan police confirmed.
Evacuations and investigation
A total of 150 people were evacuated, including 70 children from a nearby summer camp. Emergency services moved them to safe locations as the flames approached. – A man has been arrested on suspicion of causing the wildfire – said the Catalan police in a statement, without providing further details on the suspect’s identity or motive.
The firefighting operation continues with ground and aerial resources. The military is expected to deploy additional personnel and equipment if needed. Officials stressed the importance of cooperation from the public during the quarantine period.
Heatwave and heightened fire risk
Spain has already recorded over 8,000 wildfires this year, resulting in eight deaths and 86 injuries, according to the Ministry of Interior. The current heatwave is exacerbating the situation. AEMET, the state meteorological agency, forecasts temperatures between 38 and 41 degrees Celsius over the weekend and into next week, especially in the south, west, and major river valleys of the Iberian Peninsula.
June was the second hottest on record in Spain since 1961, with data from the MoMo mortality monitoring system showing over 1,000 deaths attributed to high temperatures. AEMET has issued warnings about the risk of further fires and urged caution, particularly for elderly people. The heat is expected to be most intense in Galicia and the Basque Country.
Źródło: Polsat News, Fot. Polsat News
