'Virulent' central Catalonia blaze burns around 1,500 hectares
Authorities extend heatwave restrictions to prevent wildfires
The Pont de Vilomara wildfire in Bages county, near the central Catalonia city of Manresa, has, as of Monday morning, burned around 1,500 hectares since breaking out midday on Sunday. Although the exact figure is yet to be confirmed, the fire has the potential of affecting up to 6,000 hectares in total.
The blaze's left flank, as well as its northernmost and southernmost extremes, are more stable, but its right flank – beside the Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac natural park – is "proving to be more difficult," an audibly fatigued Catalan interior minister Joan Ignasi Elena told Catalunya Ràdio on Monday morning from the firefighter command center on the scene.
Describing the fire as particularly "virulent" due to the heatwave, Elena said that firefighters had been working all night long, but displayed caution when asked when it would be extinguished.
Imatges dels treballs que han estat fent #bomberscat al llarg de la matinada a #IFPontVilomara. En total, 118 dotacions terrestres, que han intensificat les tasques d'extinció al flanc dret. Al cap del foc hi ha hagut pagesos llaurant i la unitat #GRAF fent-hi cremes. pic.twitter.com/2CUMrdJgqX
— Bombers (@bomberscat) July 18, 2022
"There is a risk it will start up again in other areas," he said, citing high temperatures and low humidity levels.
The minister also explained that they did not foresee having to evacuate more residents, but said the 300 people from three nearby towns who had been forced out of their homes by the wildfire on Sunday would still not be allowed to return. The flames have reached at least a dozen houses in the area so far.
According to David Borrell, the head of the Catalan firefighters (Bombers), there are 370 firefighters and 15 aerial crews on the scene.
Heatwave restrictions
The ban on outdoor activities, including camping or hiking in natural parks, announced last Thursday to prevent wildfires will be extended, Elena said.
Initially in place in 275 municipalities, the minister explained that the number of cities and towns affected by the ban would be updated on Thursday at midnight, when authorities will also decide whether the measures should remain in place.
"The situation is very complicated here and across Catalonia," Elena said. "Even when the temperature drops slightly, it is still above what is normal for this time of the year."
Mapa de pla alfa dia 18/07/2022 pic.twitter.com/8kZ63wzmMF
— Agents Rurals (@agentsruralscat) July 18, 2022
Almost all Catalan counties are at high or very high risk of wildfires.