A fast-moving wildfire in Sentmenat has forced authorities to confine several urbanizations in Vallès Occidental. Residents have been told to stay indoors as firefighters battle the blaze near populated areas.
Authorities in Vallès Occidental have ordered the immediate confinement of several urbanizations and scattered settlements after a wildfire broke out in Sentmenat early this afternoon. The emergency measure, affecting thousands of residents, was triggered as flames advanced rapidly toward inhabited zones, prompting Protecció Civil to activate the ES-Alert system and instruct people to remain indoors.
The lockdown directive covers the Urbanización El Farell, Can Gurri, Sant Sebastià de Montmajor, Balcó de Sant Llorenç, Can Vinyals, Sant Feliu del Racó—home to around 1,300 people—and the northern part of Castellar del Vallès, where approximately 25,000 residents live. All these areas are located along the southern foothills of the Sant Llorenç del Munt range, a region known for its dense forests and proximity to urban developments.
According to the alert, residents have been told to close all doors and windows, avoid going outside, and follow instructions from emergency services. Firefighters report that the blaze is burning with significant intensity and has already created several secondary hotspots, complicating containment efforts. The fire began in the northern section of the Mas d'en Cisa industrial area, quickly spreading to a nearby crop field before climbing the southern slope of a hill and consuming forest vegetation along its path.
Initial estimates from Agentes Rurales indicate that roughly 10 hectares of predominantly forested land have been affected so far. The fire was first reported at 14:21, and since then, more than one hundred firefighters have been deployed to the scene, supported by fifty ground units, five helicopters, and six water-dropping planes. Emergency teams are focusing their efforts on the left flank of the fire, which is considered the most dangerous due to its proximity to residential neighborhoods in Vallès.
This incident comes amid a series of similar emergencies in Catalonia in recent years. For example, a major blaze near La Bisbal d'Empordà also led to widespread lockdowns and challenging firefighting conditions, as detailed in this report on previous wildfire lockdowns in Catalonia. Such events highlight the ongoing vulnerability of urban areas bordering forested landscapes, especially during periods of high fire risk.
Wildfires remain a persistent threat in Spain, particularly in regions like Catalonia where urban expansion meets natural terrain. The combination of dry conditions, dense vegetation, and changing weather patterns often increases the likelihood of rapid fire spread. Local authorities continue to emphasize the importance of following official instructions during such emergencies to minimize risk to life and property. The situation in Vallès Occidental is being closely monitored, with updates expected as firefighting operations progress and conditions evolve.
