Wildfire in La Bisbal d'Empordà forces confinement of 150 children as strong winds spread flames

Fire breaks out near La Bisbal d'Empordà

A vegetation fire was reported at 09:17 on Friday near the GI-660 road in Sant Pol, a district of La Bisbal d'Empordà (Girona). The blaze, which started in agricultural land, quickly spread under strong tramontana winds gusting between 40 and 50 km/h. By midday, provisional estimates from the Rural Agents put the affected area at around 20 hectares of crops.

Firefighting efforts hampered by wind

The Catalan fire service (Bombers de la Generalitat) deployed a growing number of units throughout the morning. Initial resources of 17 ground crews and 5 helicopters were later reinforced to 35 ground units and 10 aerial assets, with additional amphibious planes requested. The wind generated numerous secondary fires, forcing crews to attack both the main front and new outbreaks simultaneously. The priority shifted to the left flank of the fire to prevent it from opening further towards the wooded Gavarres massif.

It is advancing towards unpopulated areas. That is good news.

The mayor warned, however, that the terrain is heavily wooded with abundant combustible material that could worsen the situation.

Confinements and road closures

Protection Civil activated the Infocat emergency plan and sent Es-Alert messages ordering the confinement of the Sant Pol neighbourhood, isolated houses south of the town, and the Pou del Glaç summer camp, where 150 children were staying. All children were reported safe. The confinement was later extended to the Vall Repòs urbanization in neighbouring Santa Cristina d'Aro. The GI-660 road was completely closed between kilometre points 1 and 12 (Calonge to La Bisbal) due to heavy smoke reducing visibility.

Cause and conditions

Preliminary investigations by the Rural Agents indicate the fire was sparked by the use of an angle grinder. The day's weather compounded the danger: temperatures reached 32.5°C with humidity at 34%, and the tramontana wind remained strong. The regional government had activated level 3 of the Alfa plan, warning of very high fire risk across 170 municipalities in Catalonia, with particular severity in the Baix Empordà county.

Response and outlook

Firefighters continued working through midday to anchor the perimeter and prevent the fire from reaching the Gavarres protected area. The mayor urged residents to close windows and avoid travel in the area. No injuries have been reported.