A fast-moving wildfire in southern Catalonia has forced over 18,000 residents to remain indoors under an official lockdown order, as emergency services work to control the blaze under intense heat and powerful winds.
The fire began on Monday afternoon near the town of Paüls, in the Tarragona province, and quickly spread through the Els Ports Natural Park, a mountainous and heavily forested area close to the Ebro River. By Tuesday morning, the flames had scorched nearly 3,000 hectares, with the regional fire service confirming that around 30% of the park has now been affected.
Authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for towns across the Baix Ebre and Terra Alta regions, instructing more than 18,000 people to remain indoors to reduce exposure to smoke and to ease firefighting logistics. Residents in particularly vulnerable zones, including parts of Paüls and Prat de Comte, were evacuated overnight as a precaution.
The blaze has been intensified by gusts reaching 90 km/h, creating dangerous and unpredictable conditions for the 300+ firefighters currently deployed. The Spanish Military Emergency Unit (UME) has also been activated to support ground crews, using specialist equipment and aerial surveillance to monitor the fire’s path.
Officials confirmed on Tuesday that firefighters had successfully halted the advance of flames towards the Ebro River, a critical containment line. Helicopters and water-bombing aircraft are now being deployed where weather allows, though visibility and turbulence have complicated efforts.
Local officials expressed concern about the impact on biodiversity, noting that much of the affected land is part of a protected natural reserve known for rare flora and fauna. Several rural roads have been closed, and public access to forested areas across Catalonia remains restricted as a fire prevention measure.
Spain’s meteorological agency has issued continued extreme fire risk warnings across large parts of the country due to soaring temperatures, low humidity, and dry vegetation. This is the latest in a growing number of wildfires linked to climate-driven heatwaves that have gripped southern Europe this summer.
Catalan Interior Minister Joan Ignasi Elena urged the public to comply with all safety instructions, saying:
“We are facing an exceptionally dangerous fire due to the topography and wind conditions. Every hour is critical in the containment effort.”
No injuries have been reported so far, but authorities warn that conditions remain volatile. A full investigation into the cause of the fire is under way, though early reports suggest it may have started near an agricultural area.
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