Costa Brava forest fire forces 45,000 residents to stay home

A large forest fire broke out on 3 July in the Les Gavarres nature reserve near La Bisbal d’Empordà on Spain’s Costa Brava, a popular tourist region. Strong Tramontana winds accelerated the blaze, prompting authorities to order residents in several municipalities, including Platja d’Aro, Calonge and Llagostera, to remain indoors and keep windows and doors sealed. About 45 000 people were affected by the warning.

More than 200 firefighters, along with police and civil protection units, have been fighting the fire. Around 150 children were evacuated from a holiday camp in Romanyà de la Selva. Catalonia’s regional president Salvador Illa appealed for compliance with emergency instructions and asked the Military Emergency Unit (UME) for assistance. Police detained a man suspected of starting the fire while operating an angle‑grinder on a road, and an investigation is under way. Climate experts note that Spain has been hit hard by the climate crisis, with 2025 seeing a record 400 000 ha burned across Europe.