Firefighters face a ‘difficult night’ in Catalonia as a ‘high intensity’ wildfire continues to advance.
The inferno took hold just before midday in the Tarragona town of Paüls, and is spreading through the Ports Natural Park due to strong winds.
According to initial estimates from Agents Rurals, the fire has scorched around 150 hectares – 80% of which lies inside the protected natural park.
The blaze is centred on the Canal del Grau ravine in the Baix Ebre region, an area known for its steep terrain and dense vegetation.
Firefighters said they are focusing efforts on containing the fire’s left flank to prevent it from reaching the TV-3541 road, while also working to close off the right side, which is advancing deeper into the natural park. Ground crews have already detected several secondary ignition points.
In total, 53 ground units and 181 personnel have been deployed, including 30 fire engines and 23 command and logistics vehicles.
Seven aircraft are also involved, including four water-dropping helicopters, two coordination helicopters and three fixed-wing surveillance planes.
Civil Protection has issued lockdown orders for Paüls and three neighbouring municipalities – Xerta, Alfara de Carles and Aldover – and activated the Infocat emergency plan, which is triggered for high-risk wildfires.
Authorities have urged residents via social media to stay indoors, keep windows shut and follow all official instructions. The 112 emergency line has received 185 calls related to the fire so far.
Read more Spain news at the Spanish Eye.
