In the Barcelona area, a man has been arrested in connection with the wildfire between Tiana and Montgat that forced authorities to confine four municipalities, according to the Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia's regional police.

Protecció Civil ordered residents in Tiana, Montgat, Alella and Sant Fost de Campsentelles to stay indoors as smoke spread across the area. The fire was reported on Thursday 26 June, and officials said the smoke column was visible from several kilometres away.

For residents, commuters and parents, the immediate impact was clear, movement was restricted, outdoor activity was limited and local councils issued emergency instructions while Bombers de la Generalitat worked to contain the blaze. Readers can follow our news coverage for further updates on major incidents across Catalonia.

Confinement orders covered four municipalities

Protecció Civil said the confinement order covered four municipalities in the Maresme and Vallès Oriental area north of Barcelona. The measure was intended to reduce exposure to smoke and allow emergency services to work safely.

  • Tiana, in the Maresme county
  • Montgat, on the coast next to Tiana
  • Alella, inland from Montgat and El Masnou
  • Sant Fost de Campsentelles, in Vallès Oriental

Municipal emergency notices were also published by local councils, including Tiana and Sant Fost de Campsentelles. Residents were told to follow official alerts and keep windows and doors closed where smoke was present.

The Mossos d'Esquadra confirmed the arrest in an official statement. The Generalitat also said Catalan president Salvador Illa had confirmed that a suspect had been detained over the fire in Tiana. Authorities have not published a full account of the alleged cause beyond confirming the arrest.

Bombers de la Generalitat reported that crews were deployed to contain the blaze, while Protecció Civil activated public safety measures because of smoke and the risk to nearby populated areas. At the time of the official updates, emergency services were still managing the incident.

Anyone in the affected area should check updates from Protecció Civil, Bombers de la Generalitat and their town hall before travelling or resuming outdoor activity. Residents can also review official civil protection guidance from the Generalitat de Catalunya, the Bombers de la Generalitat and the Mossos d'Esquadra.