Fire Stabilised in El Prat That Cut Off the B-20 and B-250

The firefighters of the Generalitat have stabilised the vegetation fire declared this Sunday in El Prat de Llobregat, which has burned four hectares of reeds and shrubs and forced the closure of the B-250 and B-20 roads between Cornellà and l'Hospitalet de Llobregat.

The fire, which started around half past two in the afternoon, affected an area of reeds and shrubs in the municipality of El Prat de Llobregat. The flames reached just a few metres from the roads, prompting a preventive traffic closure. No injuries have been reported.

Mobilisation of Resources

Up to the site, around ten ground units and three aerial resources from the Generalitat's firefighters have been deployed, along with personnel from the Barcelona Firefighters and the Forest Defence Groups (ADF). Emergency services received 118 calls alerting them to the presence of flames and a large column of smoke.

The extinguishing efforts included soaking the perimeter to prevent the fire from reaching some shacks located nearby. The firefighters declared the fire stabilised late in the afternoon.

Traffic Disruptions

The Catalan Traffic Service (SCT) has reported that the B-250 remains closed in both directions at the height of El Prat, while the B-20 is interrupted between Cornellà and l'Hospitalet de Llobregat towards Barcelona. The closures have caused delays and traffic stoppages in the area, particularly affecting drivers heading towards the capital.

The SCT recommends that drivers avoid the area and use alternative routes, such as the C-32 motorway or the N-340 road, while the closures are in place. Traffic is expected to be restored once the firefighters confirm there is no risk of re-ignition.

Extreme Fire Risk in Catalonia

This fire occurs in a context of high risk of wildfires throughout Catalonia. The Rural Agents have activated the Alfa Plan at level 4, the maximum, in 21 municipalities in regions such as l'Alt Camp, l'Alt Penedès, el Baix Penedès, l'Alt Urgell, la Noguera, el Pallars Jussà, and el Solsonès. Additionally, 177 municipalities in seventeen regions are at level 3, with very high danger.

This summer is proving to be the worst in fifteen years regarding wildfires in Catalonia, according to data from the firefighters. High temperatures and prolonged drought are creating conditions conducive to the spread of fire. In fact, two simultaneous fires were declared on Saturday in Baronia de Rialb (Noguera) and Pontils (Conca de Barberà), burning fifteen and six hectares respectively.

For this Monday, the forecast from the Alfa Plan does not improve: level 4 is expected to be activated in 37 municipalities across seven regions, and level 3 will extend to 219 municipalities in 23 regions. Authorities remind the public of the prohibition on making fires in natural spaces and recommend taking extreme precautions.

Residents of El Prat and nearby municipalities should pay attention to the indications from Civil Protection and avoid travelling through forested areas. The swift action of the firefighters has prevented the fire from spreading to urban areas or causing personal harm, but the danger of new fires remains very high in the coming days.