Lorraine Williamson
A major forest fire continues to rage through the Terres de l’Ebre region of southern Catalonia, destroying more than 2,300 hectares and prompting a series of emergency lockdowns. What began on Monday as a rapidly advancing blaze has now swept through multiple municipalities, fuelled by violent winds reaching up to 90km/h.
More than 2,000 residents have already been ordered to remain indoors, with evacuations under way in some areas. Late Monday night, Catalonia’s Protecció Civil issued fresh confinement orders for the towns of Pinell de Brai and Prat de Comte in the Terra Alta region. In a public alert on X, they urged residents to “close doors and windows and stay inside,” and reminded the public to call 112 in case of emergency.
Emergency services race to contain flames
The wildfire has already reached the outskirts of Tortosa, affecting the neighbourhoods of Los Reguers, Remolins, Bítem and Jesús, as well as nearby municipalities including Paüls, Xerta, Aldover, Tivenys, Roquetes and Alfarade Carlos.
Firefighters are working around the clock to keep the flames from crossing the Ebro River, a natural barrier that, if breached, could dramatically escalate the crisis. Over 300 firefighters are on site, supported by Spain’s Military Emergency Unit (UME) and 12 aircraft—including FOCA water bombers—deployed by the Ministry for Ecological Transition.
The Generalitat has declared level 2 emergency mobilisation, requiring all off-duty personnel to join the containment effort. Catalonia’s Minister of the Interior, Núria Parlon, said weather conditions are expected to ease by midday, but warned that “until then, the risk of expansion remains very high.”
Sánchez voices support for affected communities
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also weighed in, posting on X:
“Muy pendientes de la evolución del incendio forestal en Paüls, que afecta a varias localidades de Terres de l’Ebre. Efectivos de la @UMEgob ya están en la zona para colaborar en su extinción. Mi solidaridad con los vecinos afectados. Sigamos las indicaciones y mucha precaución.”
His message underlined the seriousness of the situation and called for public cooperation as emergency teams continue their work.
Fear grows in local communities
According to fire chief David Borrell, the psychological toll on residents is growing. “There is a strong sense of fear and uncertainty. This fire is unpredictable and fast-moving, shaped by the terrain and volatile wind patterns.”
Unlike the fatal rural fire in Lleida last week, Borrell described this blaze as a true forest fire—technically complex and driven by extreme weather. At one point, the fire generated a pyrocumulus cloud—an enormous plume of heat and smoke—making aerial firefighting even more dangerous.
‘We can see the fire coming’
Paüls mayor Enric Adell told Ser Catalunya the fire was visible from the town. “We can see the fire that is coming. People must stay informed through official channels and avoid moving around. The wind is fierce, and there are areas with no mobile coverage.”
Catalan President Salvador Illa confirmed the UME’s mobilisation and praised the efforts of all emergency services. “Extreme wind conditions are making the situation very difficult. We’re grateful to all those risking their safety to bring this under control.”
Waiting on the sea breeze
Fire crews hope that sea breezes later today will help stabilise conditions. But with vast areas already scorched and the wind still shifting unpredictably, Terres de l’Ebre remains on high alert.
Spain’s summer of fire begins early
This blaze is a stark reminder that Spain’s wildfire season is no longer confined to late summer. With rising temperatures, longer dry spells, and increased wind activity, emergency services face growing challenges. July 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most volatile starts to a fire season in recent memory.
Residents are urged to stay indoors, follow official guidance. Furthermore, they should avoid sharing unverified information on social media that could hinder emergency response.
Is Spain prepared for the 2025 wildfire season?
Source: El Pais