A massive wildfire broke out on Friday near the Costa Brava coastline in Spain, forcing the quarantine of ten towns and the evacuation of 150 people, including 70 children from a summer camp. The fire started near La Bisbal d’Emparda, about 20 kilometers from the Mediterranean coast, and strong winds have spread flames and a thick cloud of smoke across the area.
Local fire services reported that more than 200 firefighters, supported by 11 aircraft dropping water, are battling the blaze that has already consumed 1,280 hectares of forested land. Residents of the quarantined towns are prohibited from leaving or entering the zone as authorities work to contain the fire. The Catalan government’s interior minister, Nuria Parlon, confirmed the scale of the destruction.
– The fire has burned 1,280 hectares so far – said Nuria Parlon, interior minister of the Catalan government.
Firefighting response and arson suspect
Catalan regional president Salvador Illa has requested military intervention to assist overwhelmed firefighting crews. Meanwhile, Catalan police announced the arrest of a man suspected of starting the fire. The suspect’s identity and motive have not been disclosed, but the arrest underscores growing concerns about deliberate blazes during a dry and hot summer.
According to Spain’s Ministry of the Interior, the country has recorded over 8,000 wildfires this year, resulting in eight deaths and 86 injuries. The current fire adds to a grim toll that has already exceeded the average for recent summers.
Heatwave fuels wildfire risk across Spain
Spain’s state meteorological agency, AEMET, warns that high temperatures will persist across much of the country for the coming week, particularly in the south, west, and major river valleys. Thermometers are expected to reach 38 to 41 degrees Celsius in some areas. The heatwave will be especially intense over the weekend in Galicia and early next week in the Basque Country.
– We urge caution, especially for the elderly who are often victims of high temperatures – said AEMET in a statement. The agency also noted an extreme wildfire risk in many regions. June 2026 was the second hottest June on record in Spain since 1961, topped only by June 2025. Data from the MoMo mortality monitoring system shows that over 1,000 people died from heat-related causes in June alone.
The first summer heatwave hit Spain in the second half of June, and temperatures are expected to remain elevated, raising fears of further fires. Authorities are bracing for a challenging weekend as the fire near Costa Brava continues to threaten homes, forests, and tourist spots.
Źródło: Polsat News, Fot. Polsat News
