A severe heatwave swept across Catalonia on Wednesday, igniting multiple wildfires that forced thousands of residents to shelter in place and prompted authorities to declare extreme fire risk for 219 municipalities in 24 districts starting Thursday.
The most disruptive blaze hit Gavà, where fireworks ignited a fire that burned seven hectares and confined some 6,000 people in Gavà, Sant Climent de Llobregat, and Viladecans for over four hours before the flames were stabilized. In Aiguamúrcia, a high-intensity fire in Alt Camp scorched more than 80 hectares and displaced roughly 1,600 people. Authorities also confined residents in Navarcles, Sentmenat, and surrounding areas as crews numbering 384 personnel and nine aircraft worked to contain the Sentmenat fire, which has burned roughly 159 hectares since Monday.
Access to eight natural parks, including Montserrat and Gavarres, will be restricted as conditions remain critical.