A massive wildfire has erupted near the popular Costa Brava tourist hotspot in northeastern Spain, forcing authorities to lock down a dozen municipalities. The blaze ignited close to La Bisbal d'Empordà, about 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the Mediterranean coastline, and has prompted the Catalan regional government to call on Spain's Military Emergencies Unit (UME) for assistance.
Fire Details and Immediate Response
The fire began in the morning near the town of La Bisbal d'Empordà, close to Girona. According to the Rural Agents, the fire may have been ignited by roadworks. David Borrell, head of the Catalan fire service, told local reporters: "The difficulty is that the fire will not be static."
More than 200 firefighters, backed by 11 aerial firefighting units, are currently working to bring the wildfire under control, reports the Express. The blaze has forced 12,000 people in several towns to stay indoors.
Government Warnings and Travel Restrictions
Salvador Illa, president of the regional government, has warned of the severity of the blaze and urged residents to adhere to instructions from the authorities. The Generalitat has advised those in the Barcelona area to refrain from travelling to Baix Empordà, Gironès and Pla de l'Estany in order to assist firefighting operations. By restricting traffic and non-essential travel, emergency services can deploy resources more effectively, safeguard public safety, and concentrate on controlling the blaze without further complications from tourists and visitors.
Context: Spain's Wildfire Season
Spain, amongst the European nations most susceptible to climate change impacts, endured what Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez characterised as the worst wildfire season in its recent history last summer. Increasing temperatures, extended droughts, and progressively severe weather patterns have left the country more exposed to extensive and fast-moving fires.
Data from the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) shows wildfires scorched more than 393,000 hectares of land throughout Spain in 2025. The Ministry of the Interior confirmed that over 8,000 fires took place during the year, causing eight deaths, 86 injuries, and the displacement of more than 42,000 people.
