News
Six forest fires stabilised after a critical night in Catalonia
Catalonia is breathing a little easier after firefighters managed to stabilise several forest fires on a day marked by extreme heat and very low humidity. Thousands of residents affected by confinement orders in Barcelona, Tarragona and Lleida have gradually been able to return to normal.
The most delicate situation occurred during Wednesday afternoon and night, when six active outbreaks coincided. The simultaneous fires made it necessary to distribute resources across different parts of the territory, with teams working in very demanding conditions to stop flare-ups and protect inhabited areas.
In Navarcles, the fire reached an industrial estate and a recycling plant, heightening concern because of its proximity to areas of economic activity and the urban centre. Nineteen crews are still working there to cool hot spots and prevent the fire from gaining strength again.
Sentmenat also maintains a strong Fire Service presence, with 37 teams in the area. In Anoia and Gavà, monitoring work continues with several vehicles, especially in areas where dry ground, vegetation and wind can reactivate small outbreaks.
In Tarragona, the fire in the Pla de Manlleu area of Aiguamúrcia was brought under control after a night of intense work with 25 units. In Guimerà, in the Urgell comarca, 13 crews are checking the perimeter and paying attention to hard-to-reach areas.
The lifting of confinements has been among the pieces of news most awaited by residents. In Sentmenat, Aiguamúrcia and Navarcles, around 11,000 people saw their routines disrupted by Civil Protection orders, with doors and windows closed, limited mobility and close attention to official warnings.
In Navarcles, around 9,000 residents were confined because of the proximity of the flames to industrial areas. In Aiguamúrcia, the alert also affected Pontons, les Pinedes Altes de Montmell and isolated homes, with around 1,600 residents watching the fire’s progress.
The respite does not mean letting down one’s guard. With high temperatures still forecast and a very dry territory, any spark can make the day difficult again. The day makes clear that fires no longer affect only the forest: they change mobility, disrupt routines, halt industrial estates and force entire towns to live watching the smoke and their mobile phones.