A wildfire that broke out yesterday morning near the Costa Brava tourist resort in northeastern Spain has been brought under partial control today after burning 2,200 hectares of land along the Catalonian coast. Firefighters confirmed that no injuries have been reported.
The Catalonian fire service announced in a press release this morning that crews brought nearly 70 per cent of the fire’s right flank under control during the night. Firefighters are aiming to stabilize the situation before a predicted shift in the wind this afternoon.
Officials stated that the fire, which was likely caused by negligence, has primarily burned forest vegetation. Authorities have also imposed a lockdown across seven communities in the area.
Winds drive rapid spread
The fire started yesterday near the community of La Bisbal d’Empordà, close to Girona and roughly 20 kilometres from the Mediterranean coast.
Strong winds rapidly intensified the fire front, forcing regional authorities in Catalonia to instruct residents across ten municipalities to stay indoors. The lockdown order included the popular seaside resort of Platja d’Aro.
Firefighters have urged the public to avoid travelling to the area. Catalonian emergency services confirmed that approximately 150 people were evacuated as a precaution, including around 70 children staying at a local holiday camp.
Around 400 firefighters remain on the scene working to bring the wildfire under full control. Chief Fire Officer David Borrell stressed that protecting the population remains their main priority.
Climate impact linked to historic highs
Spain remains one of the European countries hardest hit by the effects of climate change. Scientists warn that rising intensity, frequency, and duration of extreme temperatures create conditions that foster the outbreak and spread of large wildfires.
In 2025, deadly wildfires destroyed nearly 400,000 hectares of land, marking the largest burnt area ever recorded in Spain, according to data from the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS).