A fast-moving wildfire in Sentmenat, Barcelona, has forced authorities to order residents in seven urbanizations to stay indoors. Emergency services are fighting the flames as the fire spreads rapidly, threatening homes and forests.
An out-of-control wildfire in Sentmenat, Barcelona province, has led authorities to order the immediate confinement of residents in seven urbanizations and scattered settlements. The fire, which broke out early in the afternoon, has already affected around ten hectares of mainly forested land and continues to advance, generating secondary outbreaks that complicate firefighting efforts.
At 16:00, Civil Protection activated the Es-Alert system, sending urgent notifications to mobile phones in the affected areas. Residents of El Farell, Can Gurri, Sant Sebastià de Montjamor, el Balcó de Sant Llorenç, Sant Feliu del Racó, Nord de Castellar del Vallès, and Can Vinyals were instructed to remain indoors, keep doors and windows closed, and follow all instructions from emergency services. The alert comes as the fire's unpredictable spread has raised concerns about the safety of people living near the advancing flames.
Firefighters have deployed significant resources to contain the blaze, with around one hundred personnel, 36 ground vehicles, and 12 aircraft working on site. According to the fire service, the initial phase of the fire saw it moving at speeds of up to 850 meters per second, making containment especially challenging. The left flank of the fire has become a priority, as it is acting as the main driver and has already produced several secondary ignition points.
The emergency call was first received at 14:21 via the 112 hotline, reporting a fire that started in a cultivated field before spreading into the surrounding forest. Provisional data from Rural Agents indicate that approximately ten hectares have been affected so far, with the majority of the damage occurring in forested areas. The rapid escalation of the incident has prompted swift action from both local and regional authorities to minimize risk to residents and property.
This incident follows a pattern of severe wildfires in Catalonia in recent years, where high temperatures and dry conditions have increased the frequency and intensity of such events. In a similar case, a major blaze near La Bisbal d'Empordà also forced lockdowns in several towns, as detailed in this report on previous wildfire emergencies in Catalonia. The current situation in Sentmenat underscores the ongoing vulnerability of the region to fast-moving fires, especially during periods of elevated fire risk.
Wildfires remain a significant concern for Catalonia, particularly during the summer months when vegetation is dry and winds can quickly spread flames. The Es-Alert system, recently implemented across Spain, is designed to provide rapid warnings to residents in danger zones, allowing for quicker protective measures. As emergency teams continue their efforts, authorities are urging the public to stay informed and comply strictly with all safety instructions to prevent further harm.
