Catalonia Wildfire Forces 18,000 Into Lockdown, Burns 3,200 Hectares

A massive wildfire that began in the hills of Paüls in Tarragona province, Catalonia, has burned nearly 3,000 hectares, forcing more than 18,000 residents across multiple municipalities to either evacuate or remain confined indoors. The fire, exacerbated by strong winds reaching up to 90 km/h, dry conditions, and rugged terrain, crossed the Ebro River, complicating firefighting efforts and prompting the deployment of an emergency military unit alongside over 300 firefighters and hundreds of personnel. The blaze has threatened towns like Tortosa, Xerta, and Aldover, causing widespread fear and disruption, while authorities continue to work through challenging conditions with hopes that easing winds will help contain the fire. This wildfire comes amid Spain's record-breaking heatwave and follows a separate fire earlier in July that claimed two lives in Catalonia. In neighboring France, wildfires have also forced evacuations and injuries, highlighting the broader regional impact of extreme weather and fire risks this summer. Authorities remain vigilant as the situation develops, emphasizing the fragility of firefighting responses under such volatile conditions.