Spain Battles Wildfire in Costa Brava Region

Spain is battling a significant wildfire near the Costa Brava in northeastern Spain, which has consumed approximately 2,200 hectares of forest and agricultural land. Despite the extensive damage in the popular Catalan coastal region, no injuries have been reported, according to fire officials.

Firefighters worked through the night to contain about 70% of the fire on its right flank, stabilizing that section. Efforts are ongoing to secure the perimeter before a forecasted wind shift expected midday Saturday. The fire, believed to have been sparked by negligence, ignited near the town of La Bisbal d'Empordà, close to Girona and about 20 kilometers from the Mediterranean coast.

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Firefighters were able to contain about 70 percent of the right flank of the fire overnight and stabilize it, and they continue to work to secure it before the wind direction changes, which is expected at midday.

Around 400 firefighters, including ten aerial teams, are involved in the ongoing efforts to control the blaze. David Borrell, commander of the Catalan fire brigades, emphasized that protecting residents is the top priority. He advised citizens to remain indoors for their safety, stating that anyone outside is taking unnecessary risks.

Spain is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, experiencing what Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described as "the worst fires in its modern history" last summer. In that period, fires scorched 393,000 hectares, resulting in eight deaths, 86 injuries, and the evacuation of over 42,000 people, according to the Ministry of Interior.

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The priority is protecting the population. When citizens stay in their homes, they are safer. Anyone who is outside is exposing themselves to unnecessary risk.