End of 31-Day Extreme Fire Risk Period
Catalonia has ended its longest-ever continuous period of extreme fire risk, which lasted 31 days from 4 July to 4 August. The alert, known as level 4 under the Pla Alfa, was deactivated early Monday morning, according to the Department of Interior and Civil Protection. The Rural Agents Corps and Civil Protection closed the episode of extreme fire danger following improved weather conditions. Temperatures have dropped slightly, though dry vegetation, low humidity, and strong winds contributed to the prolonged risk.
Five Municipalities Still at High Risk
Despite the downgrade, five towns in the Ribera d’Ebre and Terra Alta areas remain at level 3 of the Pla Alfa, indicating very high fire risk. These are Flix, Riba-roja d’Ebre, la Fatarella, la Pobla de Massaluca, and Vilalba dels Arcs. Residents and visitors in these areas are urged to exercise caution in natural areas. The Rural Agents have called for prudence in outdoor activities and reminded the public to report any smoke or fire immediately by calling 112.
Reopening of Natural Areas
Access has been restored to four natural spaces that remained closed during the peak alert: Baronia de Rialb (Noguera), Montsec de Rúbies, Montsec d’Ares (Pallars Jussà), and Ribera Salada (Solsonès). The other affected natural areas reopened on Sunday. A total of 13 natural areas had faced access restrictions at various times during the 31-day period, some for over three weeks. The longest closures included Montmell-Marmellar (24 days), Baronia de Rialb (22 days), Ribera Salada (22 days), and the Serra de Montsant Natural Park (21 days).
Fire Prevention Efforts Continue
Throughout the alert period, Rural Agents conducted 2,457 prevention operations, including 941 specifically tied to level 4 of the Pla Alfa. Helicopter surveillance was reinforced, and 287 fines were issued for fire prevention violations. Collaboration included the Forestry Defense Groups (ADF), the Special Forest Fire Prevention Unit (GEPIF), local police, Mossos d’Esquadra, Civil Protection volunteers, and natural space information staff. The Technical Unit of the Fire Action Group (GRAF) of the Fire Department maintains a fire risk level of 5 out of 6 in the Centre, Lleida, South Metropolitan, Tarragona, and Terres de l’Ebre emergency regions. In Girona and North Metropolitan regions, the risk is rated 4 out of 6.
The Rural Agents have called for prudence in outdoor activities and reminded the public to report any smoke or fire immediately by calling 112.
The most intense day of the period was 9 July, when 223 municipalities across 24 comarques were at level 4 (extreme risk) and 437 municipalities in 38 comarques were at level 3 (very high risk).
Primary sources: govern.cat, govern.cat. Reported by Marc Guasch Ferreiro, viladeroses.cat, canal21ebre.com, Pepa Masó, larazon.es, eb.sabadell.cat, diarimes.com.
