Lleida authorities maintain access restrictions in Baronia de Rialb

Authorities in the Lleida region of Spain are maintaining strict access restrictions to natural spaces in the Baronia de Rialb and Serra de Mont-roig due to an extreme risk of forest fires.

Under the Alfa Plan, 79 municipalities across 14 counties remain at level 4, indicating extreme danger, while 212 municipalities are at level 3, representing a very high risk. The restrictions prohibit motorized vehicles as well as pedestrian and bicycle access to the affected areas. Residents and business owners within these zones are permitted access, but visitors must postpone their activities.

The Baronia de Rialb restrictions cover approximately 31,000 hectares, while the Serra de Mont-roig restrictions affect about 720 hectares. Agents Rurals have deployed special surveillance operations, including ground patrols and helicopter monitoring, to ensure compliance. Officials noted that the high risk is driven by significant water stress in vegetation following adverse weather conditions throughout the summer and early September.