Girona, Spain. A wildfire that broke out yesterday morning near the Costa Brava tourist resort in northeastern Spain was brought under partial control today after burning 2,200 hectares along the Catalonian coast. Firefighters said no injuries have been reported.
Containment efforts continue
The Catalonian fire service said in a press release this morning that crews brought nearly 70 per cent of the fire’s right flank under control overnight. Firefighters are seeking to stabilize the situation before a forecast wind shift this afternoon.
Cause and impact
Officials said the fire was likely caused by negligence and has mainly burned forest vegetation. Authorities have imposed a lockdown across seven communities in the area.
Area affected
The fire started yesterday near the community of La Bisbal d’Empordà, close to Girona and about 20 kilometres from the Mediterranean coast. Strong winds rapidly intensified the fire front, prompting regional authorities in Catalonia to tell residents in ten municipalities to stay indoors. The lockdown order included the seaside resort of Platja d’Aro.
Evacuations and warnings
Firefighters urged the public to avoid travelling to the area. Catalonian emergency services said about 150 people were evacuated as a precaution, including around 70 children staying at a local holiday camp.
Ongoing response
Around 400 firefighters remain at the scene working to bring the wildfire under full control. Chief Fire Officer David Borrell said protecting the population remains the main priority.
Wider context
Spain is among the European countries most affected by the effects of climate change. Scientists warn that increasing intensity, frequency and duration of extreme temperatures create conditions that support the outbreak and spread of large wildfires.
In 2025, deadly wildfires destroyed nearly 400,000 hectares of land, the largest burnt area ever recorded in Spain, according to data from the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS).