Catalonia wildfires confine over 10,000 residents as multiple blazes burn simultaneously

Multiple fires break out

On Wednesday afternoon, several wildfires ignited simultaneously across Catalonia, with major blazes reported in Gavà, Navarcles, and Pla de Manlleu. The Gavà fire started around 13:30 in the Les Ferreres neighbourhood, reportedly involving vehicles before spreading to forest vegetation. In Navarcles, flames began at 15:45 near the Pont de Cabrianes, quickly moving through agricultural stubble and into woodland. A third high-intensity fire burned in the Pla de Manlleu area of Tarragona province.

Confinements and evacuations

Authorities issued confinement orders for thousands of residents. In Gavà, about 6,000 people in Can Tries i Brugers, Sant Climent de Llobregat, and Viladecans were told to stay indoors; the order was lifted by 19:25 as the fire was contained. The Navarcles fire prompted an Es-Alert for 9,000 residents of Sallent and parts of Artès, while around 500 people in Pontons and nearby hamlets were confined due to the Pla de Manlleu blaze. An additional 300 residents remained confined from a fire that started Monday in Sentmenat. Overall, more than 10,000 people were affected by the confinements, though figures varied across reports.

The situation is delicate. I ask everyone for maximum responsibility and to follow the authorities' instructions.

Firefighting response

The Catalan fire service deployed over 80 ground crews and multiple aerial units across the three fires. In Navarcles, 40 ground crews and 10 aircraft worked to contain flames that crossed the C-25 motorway, while specialized GRAF teams conducted controlled burns and farmers ploughed fields to create firebreaks. The Gavà fire was tackled by 36 crews and was stabilised by early evening. In Pla de Manlleu, 25 crews battled high-intensity flames that had consumed 25 hectares.

Suspected cause and damage

The Gavà fire is suspected to have been caused by pyrotechnic material, according to Rural Agents, though the investigation remains open. The Navarcles fire reached an industrial estate, burning a truck and pallets at Contenidors Vilà Vila, S.L. No injuries were reported, but the fires collectively burned at least 62 hectares of forest and agricultural land.