Costa Brava wildfire 'under control' after spreading over almost 600 hectares

Firefighters announced Monday morning that the Costa Brava wildfire near Portbou in northern Catalonia, which broke out three days ago and spread over almost 600 hectares, was "under control."

The N-260 highway between Llançà and Portbou has also been reopened to traffic. Over the weekend, only residents and people traveling for work were allowed on the road.

Some 30 firefighter teams worked overnight to contain the perimeter, while some 15 units will continue to work the area on Monday according to the head of the department, David Martínez. 

The Agents Rurals rural officers are also working in the area and investigating the causes of the fire. 

Economic losses

Business owners have taken a significant financial hit after losing out on a weekend of hotel and restaurant reservations coupled with water and electricity outages. 

"People prefer not to come just in case, even though they would have been let through with a reservation," Portbou mayor Gael Rodríguez told the Catalan News Agency (ACN) on Sunday. 

The mayor pledged to meet with Catalan and Spanish authorities as well as local business owners to gauge the scope of the damages and "to help all these people."