Extreme Fire Danger Across Central and Southern Catalonia

On Sunday 06 September 2026, 106 municipalities in the provinces of Tarragona, Barcelona and Lleida face extreme risk of forest fire, according to the latest forecast from the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food. This marks the highest danger level seen this summer. Protecció Civil has advised all affected municipalities to postpone any activities involving open flames or pyrotechnics, including at night, due to the exceptional fire risk. The Pla INFOCAT remains on alert, with authorities urging the public to exercise extreme caution. Anyone spotting smoke or fire must call emergency services immediately on 112.

Pla Alfa Level 4 Activated in 116 Municipalities

The Cos d'Agents Rurals (Rural Agents Corps) expects that on Monday, 7 September, the Level 4 alert under the Pla Alfa for extreme fire danger will be active in 116 municipalities across 13 comarques: Alt Camp (3), Alt Empordà (19), Baix Camp (20), Baix Ebre (11), Conca de Barberà (6), Garrigues (6), Montsià (2), Noguera (9), Pallars Jussà (2), Priorat (17), Ribera d’Ebre (8), Segrià (5) and Terra Alta (8). At Level 4, all access to forested land and within a 500-metre buffer zone is prohibited. The Rural Agents are conducting exclusive patrols to enforce these restrictions.

Under Pla Alfa Level 4, no person may enter forest areas or conduct any activity with ignition risk within 500 metres of them.

Additionally, 93 municipalities will remain under Level 3 (very high risk), where previously authorised activities involving fire have been suspended.

Nine Natural Areas Remain Closed

Access continues to be restricted in nine natural spaces due to extreme fire risk:

  • Cap de Creus
  • Serra de l’Albera
  • Muntanyes de Tivissa-Vandellòs-Llaberia-Pradell
  • Serra de Montsant
  • Muntanyes de Prades
  • Serres de Cardó-el Boix
  • Els Ports
  • Montsec d’Ares
  • Serra de Mont-roig

These closures aim to reduce human-caused ignitions, which account for nine out of ten wildfires in Catalonia, and prevent people from being caught in vulnerable locations if a fire breaks out.

Firefighting Resources on High Alert

The Bombers de la Generalitat (Catalan Fire Service) have reinforced emergency regions at highest risk. According to the GRAF (Grup d’Actuacions Forestals) technical unit, the Tarragona, Terres de l’Ebre and southern Lleida regions are at alert level 5 out of 6. Girona, Centre, Metropolitan South and Metropolitan North are at level 4. While tomorrow’s forecast indicates a slight improvement compared to today’s peak, extreme danger persists in inland Tarragona, Lleida and Terres de l’Ebre. The Alt Empordà and some southern areas will exit the extreme-risk category by Monday. Residents and visitors are urged to avoid forest areas, especially during peak sun hours. The daily updated risk map and list of affected municipalities can be viewed on the Pla Alfa website.

Primary sources: govern.cat, dsp.interior.gencat.cat, interior.gencat.cat. Reported by gentedigital.es, elperiodico.com, ACN, [email protected], landgest, DiariTots21, rtve.es, Nova Tàrrega, baroniarialb.cat.