A wildfire near La Bisbal d’Empordà led to the confinement of 150 children in a holiday home. Firefighters deployed 22 units, including helicopters, to contain the blaze. The GI-660 road was closed due to heavy smoke.
A wildfire that broke out on Friday morning near La Bisbal d’Empordà, in the province of Girona, has forced authorities to confine 150 children inside a local holiday home. According to Bombers de la Generalitat, all minors are reported to be safe, but the situation prompted a rapid and large-scale emergency response.
Firefighters mobilized 22 units to the scene, including 17 ground teams and 5 helicopters, in an effort to bring the fire under control as quickly as possible. The alert was raised at 9:17 a.m., with the fire starting close to the GI-660 road. Due to the dense smoke in the area, authorities decided to close the GI-660 to traffic as a precautionary measure.
The incident has highlighted the vulnerability of rural facilities, especially those hosting large groups of children, during wildfire season in Catalonia. The swift action by emergency services aimed to prevent the fire from spreading further and to ensure the safety of those in the immediate vicinity. No injuries have been reported among the children or staff at the holiday home.
Wildfires are a recurring challenge in the region, particularly during the warmer months when dry conditions increase the risk of outbreaks. The deployment of both ground and aerial resources reflects the seriousness with which local authorities treat such incidents. In recent years, Catalonia has invested in improving its wildfire response capabilities, including better coordination between emergency services and stricter safety protocols for facilities located near forested areas.
La Bisbal d’Empordà is situated in a part of Girona known for its natural landscapes and is a popular destination for school trips and summer camps. The presence of a large group of children at the time of the fire underscores the importance of rapid communication and evacuation planning in similar settings. While the immediate threat appears to have been contained, the event serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and preparedness in regions prone to wildfires.
