A major wildfire is burning out of control on Spain's Costa Brava, having scorched approximately 750 hectares of forest and prompting stay-at-home orders for 12,000 people in the Girona region.
The fire, which started in La Bisbal d'Empordà, may have been ignited by mechanical work on a road. Catalan President Salvador Illa has warned of its scale and urged strict compliance with authorities.
The blaze has entered the Les Gavarres massif, producing a massive smoke plume. The confinement orders affect several municipalities, while mobile alerts have reached approximately 40,000 people.
Over 50 firefighting crews, including 11 aerial units, are battling the main fire, which is being driven by tramontana winds. A separate fire in Vilavenut is also advancing, forcing more residents indoors and closing several roads.
Videos and images of the destructive fire are being widely shared on social media, drawing expressions of solidarity.