A wildfire broke out near the Costa Brava coast in northeastern Spain on Friday, prompting a quarantine of ten towns and the evacuation of 150 people, including 70 children from a summer camp. The fire, fueled by strong winds, has already scorched 1,280 hectares of forest, according to local authorities.
The blaze started near La Bisbal d’Emparda, about 20 kilometers from the Mediterranean, close to the city of Girona. Dense smoke spread across the area, forcing residents and tourists to shelter in place. Over 200 firefighters, supported by 11 aircraft, are battling the flames. Catalan police have arrested a man suspected of starting the fire.
Quarantine and military assistance
The quarantine applies to ten towns near the fire, with no entry or exit permitted. Catalan interior minister Nuria Parlon confirmed that the blaze has consumed 1,280 hectares. – The situation is serious, and we are taking all necessary measures – said Nuria Parlon, Catalan interior minister. Salvador Illa, head of the Catalan government, has requested military intervention to support firefighting efforts.
The fire comes amid a brutal summer heat wave across Spain. In June alone, over 1,000 people died from heat-related causes, according to the MoMo mortality monitoring system. The Spanish meteorological agency AEMET reported that June 2026 was the second hottest June on record since 1961, only surpassed by June 2025.
Wildfire season intensifies
Spain’s interior ministry has recorded more than 8,000 wildfires this year, resulting in eight fatalities and 86 injuries. Authorities warn that high temperatures will persist, especially in the south, west, and along major river valleys. Thermometers may reach 38 to 41 degrees Celsius in these areas over the weekend and early next week.
The heat will be particularly intense in Galicia and the Basque Country. AEMET urges caution, especially for the elderly, who are most vulnerable to heatstroke. – The risk of new fires remains very high in the coming days – added a spokesperson for AEMET. The first heat wave of the summer hit Spain in late June, contributing to the deadly toll.
Źródło: Polsatnews.pl, Fot. Polsatnews.pl
