Civil Protection ordered the evacuation of four Querol neighborhoods after a wildfire spread from Aiguamúrcia. Over 300 residents were affected. Authorities say there is no immediate danger, but return depends on fire control.
Authorities in Catalonia ordered the evacuation of four residential areas in Querol (Tarragona) early Tuesday, as a wildfire that began in Aiguamúrcia continued to burn unchecked. The preventive measure, affecting between 300 and 400 residents, was triggered after the fire crossed municipal boundaries and threatened homes in Ranxos de Bonany, Can Llenes, Can Joan de la Costa, and les Cases de Romanill. The evacuation, coordinated by Protección Civil de la Generalitat and requested by the regional fire service, was carried out between 7 and 9 a.m.
Despite the scale of the operation, Civil Protection stressed that there was no immediate threat to life. Residents were instructed to leave in an orderly fashion, taking essential documents, medications, and pets, while ensuring their homes and windows were closed and property gates left open. Officials indicated that a return to the affected neighborhoods could be possible by late afternoon, depending on the evolution of the fire.
The wildfire, which broke out the previous afternoon in Aiguamúrcia, has already consumed more than 114 hectares of forest in the Vall de l’Infern and has spread into the Pontons area of Barcelona province. As a precaution, around 2,500 people in Aiguamúrcia, la Llacuna, Pontons, Querol, and Torrelles de Foix remain confined to their homes. Firefighters, led by inspector Oriol Corbella, worked through the night with a force of 260 personnel and 71 vehicles, focusing on containing the fire’s two main flanks. While the perimeter has been established, Corbella warned that the situation remains unstable, especially on the left flank, where secondary fires continue to appear.
Weather conditions are a growing concern. Rising temperatures, falling humidity, and the expected arrival of sea breezes could reignite hotspots, making the firefighting effort more complex. The area under active management now covers about 170 hectares, with the burned surface holding steady since the previous day. Fire crews are prepared to respond quickly to any new ignitions in the most vulnerable zones, with hopes that if these can be controlled, the fire may be stabilized by evening.
This incident comes just weeks after another major wildfire in southern Spain, where the Los Gallardos blaze in Almería forced mass evacuations and resulted in significant losses. For context on how authorities managed a similar crisis and the challenges faced by residents, see the detailed report on the Los Gallardos wildfire response in Almería.
Wildfires are a recurring threat in Spain’s Mediterranean regions, particularly during periods of high temperatures and low humidity. The combination of dense forest, dry undergrowth, and shifting winds can quickly turn a small blaze into a major emergency. In recent years, Catalonia has invested in early warning systems like ES-Alert and reinforced coordination between emergency services to improve response times. However, the risk remains high, especially in rural and semi-rural communities where access can be difficult. The current situation in Querol highlights the ongoing vulnerability of these areas and the importance of rapid, organized evacuations to protect lives and property.
