A total of sixty residents from the urbanizations and scattered settlements in the municipality of Querol (Alt Camp) have been evacuated since early Monday, July 13th, to the facilities of the Casal de Vila-rodona. The measure was taken due to the fire declared on Sunday, July 12th, in the Vall de l’Infern area, within the municipality of Aiguamúrcia. The situation is causing concern, although firefighters have reported approximately 90% of the fire's perimeter as stabilized.
The mayor of Querol, Roser Burzón, has recalled that the coming hours are crucial, especially midday with the arrival of the sea breeze. The preventive evacuation was ordered at 06:45 AM via an ES-Alert message to the mobile phones of residents in the Ranxo Bonany, Can Llenes, Can Joan de la Costa, and Cases Romanill urbanizations. The Mossos d’Esquadra went door-to-door to ensure the evacuation, which took place via the TV2441 road towards the Casal de Vila-rodona.
The evacuated residents, including 58 dogs and eight cats, are receiving assistance from Civil Protection of the Generalitat, the Red Cross, and the Mossos d’Esquadra in Vila-rodona. The Red Cross has been responsible for distributing food, and dinner is also planned. The affected individuals have expressed gratitude for the help received from the Vila-rodona City Council and other local mayors.
The situation follows a prior confinement declared on Sunday. The president of the Can Llenas urbanization, Jaume Fernández, explained that the night was restless, observing the glow of the flames. Although fires occur annually, this one is of concerning dimensions due to its proximity to homes. Currently, no homes have been affected, and the mayor insists it was a preventive evacuation.
It is expected that at 7:00 PM the situation will be re-evaluated to decide if residents can return home. Mayor Roser Burzón highlighted the tension and helplessness experienced, but also the closeness and mutual support among residents, given it is a small municipality.
