Major fire near La Bisbal d'Empordà: 2,200 hectares destroyed, emergency forces hold critical flank

Girona – 04.07.2026: A forest fire that has been raging since Friday in the area of La Bisbal d’Empordà (province of Girona) has, according to official figures, destroyed about 2,200 hectares of woodland and scrub and threatened parts of the natural area Les Gavarres. Incident commanders reported on Saturday progress in securing particularly vulnerable sections, especially on the right flank, but warned of a continued tense situation.

On site, more than 400 firefighters from the Bombers de la Generalitat are working, supported by units of the military emergency unit Unidad Militar de Emergencias (UME) as well as local civil protection forces and volunteers. On the ground, firefighting trains, off-road vehicles and tractors are in operation; from the air several water-bombing aircraft and helicopters are supporting containment. Priority is the protection of towns and infrastructure in the transition from the Gavarres hill ranges to the coast of the Costa Brava.

Authorities implemented precautionary and evacuation measures in several municipalities; they spoke of around ten thousand affected people who followed instructions to remain in safe areas or to evacuate temporarily. Schools, sports halls and municipal facilities were prepared at short notice as reception centers. According to current reports there were no seriously injured persons; isolated minor injuries among emergency personnel were treated on site.

Meteorological conditions are hampering firefighting efforts: persistent dryness, high temperatures and shifting winds favor smoldering hotspots and new fire fronts. Experts from the Agentes Rurals and the Bombers emphasize that complete extinguishing will take time and that further resources must be available if the wind direction changes. Emergency forces are creating firebreaks and securing access routes to prevent a spread into tourist zones on the coast.

The President of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, ordered preventive closures in parts of the Les Gavarres protected area and announced close coordination with central authorities. From the expanded operations center three operational goals were set: protection of settlements, securing critical infrastructure such as roads and power lines, and containment toward the coastal plain. The public was urged to avoid unnecessary travel into the operational area to keep rescue routes clear and to follow local instructions strictly.

There are no confirmed findings yet on the cause of the fire; investigations by environmental authorities are running in parallel with firefighting. Only after stabilization of the entire perimeter do the operational staffs intend to release reliable figures on damage to vegetation, wildlife habitats and affected buildings. In view of the ongoing drought, authorities urge utmost caution outdoors, particularly when dealing with sparks