Wildfires rage across Catalonia as heatwave persists

Multiple wildfires have been burning across Catalonia since July 6, 2026, during an intense heatwave. The Sentmenat fire remained active on July 8, having burned around 200 hectares, with 300 people still confined. Two other major fires in Anoia and Gavà have been stabilized or are under control, but a new blaze in Gavà forced 6,000 residents to shelter indoors.

Simultaneous fires

• Sentmenat (Barcelona): Started July 6, still active on July 8. Burned 159–200 hectares according to different sources Source: ABC, Source: Infobae. Potential to affect up to 2,000 hectares. Initial confinement of seven areas was lifted except for El Farell and Sant Sebastià de Montmajor, where about 300 people remain confined Source: El Mundo.
• Anoia (Carme – La Pobla de Claramunt): Stabilized by the night of July 7. Confinement lifted for over 30,000 people except in Les Garrigues urbanisation Source: ABC.
• Gavà (Barcelona): New fire on July 8, 2026. Confined 6,000 people in Can Tries i Bruguers and nearby areas via Es-Alert. Less than 10 hectares affected Source: ABC, Source: El Español.
• La Bisbal d'Empordà (Girona): Controlled after burning 2,200 hectares Source: Infobae.
• Torrefeta i Florejacs (Segarra): Controlled.

Heatwave and response

Catalonia is in the grip of a second summer heatwave, with extremely high temperatures and low humidity. Barcelona activated its heat alert, sending SMS to 11,800 vulnerable people and deploying street teams Source: La Vanguardia. The Infocat emergency plan remains in effect for extreme fire risk, with restrictions in 111 municipalities and six natural parks closed Source: La Vanguardia. The Bombers de la Generalitat have deployed 384 firefighters, 92 ground units, and nine aerial means at Sentmenat, including two seaplanes from the Ministry Source: Euronews. The SEM has attended 89 people for heat-related issues and 13 for fire-related injuries, one in less grave condition Source: El Mundo.