Forest fire Costa Brava: 45,000 Spaniards must stay home

According to current findings, the fire initially broke out near La Bisbal. The Costa Brava is one of Spain's most popular holiday regions and, during the summer months, a draw for international tourists. The responsible authorities have closed beaches and campsites in the affected sections.

Situation on the Costa Brava

Several forest fires are currently raging simultaneously in Spain. In the region around the Viseu district on the Iberian neighbor peninsula of Portugal, emergency services are also battling the flames. The Spanish government under Pedro Sánchez offered and received mutual aid through the European civil protection mechanism.

Further fires and offers of assistance

The weather conditions are favoring the fires: persistent heat, drought and strong wind have made vegetation across large parts of the Mediterranean region particularly flammable. Meteorologists warn that conditions are unlikely to improve in the coming days.

Weather situation and warnings

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez spoke out on Saturday evening via social media, calling on the population to exercise caution. He announced that the government would support the affected regions with all available means. The Catalan regional president, Salvador Illa, led the crisis meetings on the ground.

Political reactions

Police have closed several roads in the affected areas, including important connecting roads along the coast. Residents were informed via loudspeaker announcements and mobile warning apps. Hospitals in the region are preparing for a possible increase in respiratory illnesses caused by the smoke.

Helpers from the fire service and civil protection remain on continuous deployment, according to the Catalan authorities. Firefighting aircraft and helicopters are dropping water over the blaze sites. The authorities are asking the public not to block emergency numbers with calls seeking general information.

Initial estimates of the area affected are not yet conclusive. The regional government announced that, once the firefighting operations have ended, it will present a balance of destroyed areas and property damage. The warning level in the affected municipalities remains elevated for the coming days.

The incidents throw a spotlight on the growing forest fire risk in the Mediterranean region. Experts see a link to climate change, which favors longer drought periods and higher temperatures in the region. Spain has already had to contend with devastating fires in previous years, including on the Canary island of Tenerife.