Overview
- The fire began on Friday morning in La Bisbal d’Empordà and quickly entered the Les Gavarres massif, consuming roughly 2,300–2,400 hectares as crews battled fast spread driven by strong local winds.
- Authorities mobilised an extraordinary response with about 400–500 firefighters, roughly 100 UME personnel, multiple aircraft, activation of the INFOCAT emergency plan, and widespread confinements and evacuations including a house of colonies with about 150 children.
- By July 5 teams reported the full fire perimeter stabilised and allowed limited returns to some homes while the blaze remains active within a contained perimeter and the Les Gavarres natural area stays closed to the public.
- Mossos d’Esquadra have detained an operative who investigators say likely used an angle grinder during prohibited road works that produced sparks; the criminal probe is ongoing and could lead to charges for imprudence.
- Material damage includes at least one destroyed house, a burned masía and exterior damage to other properties, and officials warn that the heatwave, dry vegetation and shifting winds keep the risk of reactivation high with a worst‑case potential far larger than the area already burned.