A major wildfire near La Bisbal d'Empordà has triggered lockdowns in seven Catalan municipalities. Strong winds and difficult terrain are hampering firefighting efforts. Authorities warn the fire could spread further.
A fast-moving wildfire that broke out this morning near La Bisbal d'Empordà has forced authorities to order the lockdown of seven municipalities in Catalonia. The blaze, which started at the roadside and quickly spread into the dense Les Gavarres forest, remains out of control as strong tramontana winds complicate firefighting operations. Emergency services have redirected resources from other fires in Vilavenut and Bescanó to focus on containing this major incident.
By early afternoon, the fire had already consumed around thirty hectares, with officials warning that the affected area is likely to grow. The flames have advanced into the Les Gavarres massif, a vital green zone spanning 350 square kilometers between Baix Empordà and Gironès. The municipalities under lockdown include Calonge i Sant Antoni, Castell d'Aro, Platja d'Aro i S'Agaró, Cruïlles, Monells i Sant Sadurní de l'Heura, Forallac, La Bisbal d'Empordà, Llagostera, and Santa Cristina d'Aro. Evacuations have also begun in the Vall Repòs urbanization of Santa Cristina d'Aro and a neighborhood in Cruïlles.
Firefighters report that the situation is beyond their current capacity to extinguish, though efforts continue on multiple fronts. The fire is expected to reach the Puig d'Arques area soon, and authorities anticipate it will remain active for several hours. Over sixty firefighting units, both ground and aerial, are deployed, but the combination of rugged terrain and shifting winds has led to new hotspots and made containment difficult. The smoke column is visible from several towns in the region and even from neighboring comarcas.
At the Pou del Glaç holiday camp, about 100 children were present when the fire broke out. The camp, located just a kilometer from La Bisbal d'Empordà and within the forest, was placed under lockdown as a precaution. The GI-660 road, known locally as the Carretera de La Ganga, has been closed due to heavy smoke and safety concerns. This route is popular with cyclists and connects several of the affected towns.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire. One working theory is that sparks from a radial saw used during fence installation near the road may have ignited the vegetation, though other possibilities are being considered. All scenarios point to accidental human involvement. The tramontana wind has created secondary fire fronts, further complicating the response. Civil Protection issued an alert mid-morning, instructing residents in the Sant Pol neighborhood and the Pou del Glaç camp to remain indoors. By early afternoon, all homes in the fire's path were ordered to stay inside.
Local officials have prepared the Firal pavilion in La Bisbal d'Empordà as a potential shelter, depending on how the situation evolves. The region is currently at level 3 of the Alfa plan, indicating a very high wildfire risk. As a result, all activities that could pose a fire hazard have been suspended, including burning agricultural waste and using power tools near forested areas. The use of open flames is strictly prohibited, even in designated camping zones.
Wildfires are a recurring threat in Catalonia, especially during periods of strong winds and dry conditions. Les Gavarres, with its extensive pine and oak forests, is particularly vulnerable. The Alfa plan is part of Catalonia's broader wildfire prevention strategy, which includes restrictions on outdoor activities and increased surveillance during high-risk periods. In recent years, authorities have emphasized the importance of rapid response and community awareness to minimize damage and protect residents. The current incident underscores the ongoing challenges posed by climate and human activity in managing forested landscapes in Spain.
