Thousands ignored official warnings and traveled to the Empordà area despite an active wildfire. Local mayors report packed roads and question the decision to keep major events running. Authorities urge caution as the situation evolves.
Local leaders in Empordà (Girona) have voiced frustration after large numbers of people traveled to the region this weekend, disregarding repeated safety warnings amid a major wildfire in the Les Gavarres massif. The fire, which has already consumed 2,300 hectares and forced the confinement of 12,000 residents, led authorities to urge the public to avoid the area. Despite these appeals from the Govern, Civil Protection, and Fire Services, traffic surged as if it were a typical July weekend.
Jordi Soler, mayor of Calonge, described the situation as chaotic, noting that roads were completely congested and should have remained clear for emergency operations. Josep Xifré, mayor of Santa Cristina d’Aro, expressed relief that the flames had not intensified but criticized visitors for ignoring official advice. Òscar Aparicio, mayor of La Bisbal de l’Empordà, attributed the heavy traffic not only to the fire but also to ongoing events like the Cap Roig festival, highlighting a contradiction in the authorities' approach: while urging people to stay away, major gatherings were not canceled.
President Salvador Illa visited the operations center in La Bisbal early Saturday, confirming that public events such as the Havaneres concert in Calella de Palafrugell and the Cap Roig festival were still scheduled to proceed. He clarified that these events are located in municipalities not under confinement orders but called for prudence and common sense regarding travel. Illa also warned that plans could change rapidly if the fire situation worsens.
The tension between public safety and the continuation of large-scale events has drawn criticism from local officials, who argue that mixed messages undermine efforts to control movement and ensure safety. The packed roads complicated the work of emergency services and raised concerns about the effectiveness of current communication strategies.
This incident follows a pattern seen in previous emergencies in the region. For example, during an earlier wildfire near La Bisbal d'Empordà, authorities also struggled to manage public response and enforce lockdowns, as detailed in a recent report on the challenges faced by Catalan municipalities during wildfire crises.
Wildfires are a recurring threat in Catalonia, particularly during the dry summer months. The region's rugged terrain and seasonal winds can quickly turn small blazes into major incidents. Local governments often face the difficult task of balancing public events, tourism, and safety, especially when communication must adapt to rapidly changing conditions. The current situation in Empordà underscores the ongoing need for clear, coordinated messaging and decisive action when public safety is at risk.
