Costa Brava: Wildfire Reaches Les Gavarres Massif – Thousands Urged to Stay at Home

La Bisbal d’Empordà – 03.07.2026: In the province of Girona a large wildfire has been raging since July 3, which has reached the protected Les Gavarres massif and is putting several municipalities on the Costa Brava under pressure. According to local authorities, the fire has been repeatedly fanned by strong Tramontana winds; the column of smoke was widely visible and temporarily affected air quality in surrounding towns.

Catalonia’s civil protection and the fire service mobilized numerous ground and air units within a short time, including firefighting aircraft and helicopters. For safety reasons, at the peak around 12,000 residents in affected zones were asked to stay in their homes, keep windows closed and keep roads clear. At the same time, municipalities set up information points to support particularly vulnerable people. According to official notices the number of people affected varied throughout the day depending on the situation.

The fire moved into hard-to-reach sections of the hilly terrain and spread to oak and cork oak stands in the Les Gavarres natural area. Initial official estimates, depending on the source, speak of several hundred up to more than 700 hectares burned. Dense vegetation, summer dryness and gusty winds made the work of the firefighting teams more difficult. Incident command established firebreaks and priorities to secure farmsteads, infrastructure and connecting roads and to prevent the flames from jumping into densely populated coastal towns.

The regional government called on the public to follow only verified instructions and to avoid rumors on social networks. Road sections were temporarily closed and outings into the natural area were prohibited. Campsites and holiday accommodations received precautionary advice; travelers were asked to use alternative routes and keep emergency access routes clear. Hospitals and care facilities reviewed emergency plans to be prepared for possible evacuations.

Meteorological services warned of persistently gusty winds, which could make the spread unpredictable. At the same time they pointed to possible relief in the evening hours, when moisture and decreasing wind could ease ground operations. The emergency services emphasized that full control of the fire depends on weather windows and the stabilization of the flanks. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing; authorities have not yet provided conclusive information.

For the coming days caution and discipline by the population remain crucial to avoid hindering rescue teams. Authorities’ advice includes avoiding smoky areas, switching air conditioners to recirculation mode during heavy smoke and having identity documents and medication ready in case of short-notice relocations.