Catalonia faces heightened fire risk as authorities approve 64 summer bonfire celebrations

Forest‑fire expert Marc Castellnou warned that Catalonia experiences every type of wildfire recorded in Europe, attributing the high risk to the region’s geography and changing climate. He argued that traditional fire‑fighting methods are insufficient and called for new management approaches, noting that “more trucks, more helicopters, more technology will not win this war” against a natural process.

At the same time, the Catalan government authorised 64 bonfire, fireworks and drone displays along the coast for the summer season, including the traditional night of Saint John (Sant Joan). The approvals cover 21 bonfire events, 18 town festivals and 25 pyrotechnic or drone spectacles across Tarragona, Girona and Barcelona provinces, reinforcing the coastline as a key venue for seasonal cultural celebrations.