Costa Brava wildfire burns 2,200 hectares, forces evacuation of 150 people
A wildfire that started Friday near La Bisbal d'Empordà in Catalonia has burned 2,200 hectares of forest and forced the confinement of at least seven municipalities, including the tourist town of Platja d'Aro. No injuries have been reported, but 150 people were evacuated, among them 70 children from a summer camp.
Fire origin and spread
The fire broke out on Friday morning, 3 July, near the town of La Bisbal d'Empordà in the province of Girona, about 20 kilometres from the Mediterranean coast. Fanned by strong winds, it quickly produced a thick smoke plume visible for miles and forced authorities to order the confinement of more than ten municipalities, including the popular seaside resort of Platja d'Aro. By Saturday morning, the blaze had consumed 2,200 hectares of mostly forested land, according to the Catalan fire service. Firefighters managed to stabilise 70% of the right flank overnight, but the fire remained active and not yet under control. A second, smaller fire was reported further north and was also being tackled.
Emergency response
Around 400 firefighters and ten aerial units have been deployed to combat the flames. The Catalan government requested assistance from the Spanish army's Military Emergency Unit, and 200 soldiers were en route.
Authorities urged residents and visitors to avoid travel to the area, and Barcelona residents were asked to postpone weekend trips to the coast to keep roads clear for emergency vehicles. Firefighters aimed to consolidate the perimeter before a forecast wind shift at midday Saturday.The priority remains the protection of the population. When citizens stay confined, they are safer, and anyone outside is exposed to unnecessary risk.
Evacuations and personal stories
Emergency services evacuated 150 people, including 70 children from a summer camp. No injuries have been reported. A Belgian family on holiday described spending the night in a supermarket car park after fleeing their rental home when the fire suddenly reignited in the evening.
They returned in the morning to find the house spared, but the air was thick with ash and the smell of smoke.From the car, we watched the flames spread all night. The children were terrified.
Political reaction and context
Catalan president Salvador Illa planned to visit the site on Saturday morning. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed concern on social media and called for caution. The fire is believed to have been caused by negligence, and Catalan police arrested a man suspected of starting it. Spain is on the front line of climate change in Europe; last summer the country experienced its worst fire season in recent history, with 393,000 hectares burned, eight deaths, and over 42,000 people evacuated.
- Fire starts near La Bisbal d'Empordà, Girona province.
- Confinement ordered for over 10 municipalities; 150 people evacuated, including 70 children.
- Fire intensifies; Catalan government requests army's Military Emergency Unit.
- Firefighters stabilise 70% of the right flank overnight.
- Catalan president Salvador Illa visits the site.
- Wind change expected; consolidation efforts continue.
