Wildfire in northern Costa Brava rapidly progressing due to strong winds

A wildfire in the northernmost part of the Costa Brava is rapidly progressing on Friday afternoon due to strong northern winds.

Thought to have been caused by a cigarette butt, Llançà and the popular natural park of Cap de Creus are among the areas affected by the fire that has already burned 140 hectares. Firefighters fear it could end up spreading across 2,000 hectares in the area near Llançà and Port de la Selva. 

Around 180 people in the residential areas of Santa Isabel, Vall de Santa Creu, and Beleser, along with the Sant Pere de Rodes monastery – a UNESCO heritage site – were evacuated. Residents have been sent to the Llançà sports pavilion.

70 fire trucks and 17 helicopters were sent to the site after the emergency services were first made aware of the fire at 1.25 pm. The wildfire is located in an area that is not easily accessible which, coupled with the strong Tramuntana winds, is making their job more difficult. 

Two firefighters and a member of a Forest Defense Group were injured while attempting to put out the flames. 

The GI-512 road was closed off to traffic in Port de la Selva, as was the GI-513 in Roses, towards Port de la Selva.