The summer of 2026 was marked by high temperatures and unusual virulence of forest fires in Catalonia, affecting a total area of 4,833 hectares. Plan Alfa, at its level 4, was activated for 36 days, primarily in July and September, indicating extreme danger and the vulnerability of the territory, including the Pyrenees.
The Bombers de la Generalitat (Generalitat Firefighters) managed 2,844 vegetation fires, surpassing the figures from the critical summer of 2022. The simultaneity of fires necessitated an intensified response and robust planning to prevent system collapse. The strength of command and fire analysis were key to an efficient and safe response.
This year, pyrocumulus clouds were again observed – large clouds of smoke and incandescent particles generated by fires, a phenomenon more common since 2022. These clouds pose a risk of new ignitions and affect the upper atmosphere. Fires such as those in la Bisbal d’Empordà, Sentmenat, and Senet exhibited this phenomenon, with the Bisbal fire reaching 5 kilometers in altitude.
The Pyrenees also experienced thermal anomalies, with temperatures reaching 40.1 degrees Celsius in Bossòst (Val d’Aran) on July 31st. Dry thunderstorms caused lightning-induced fires in high mountain areas, such as the one in Senet, which burned 108.97 hectares and required helicopter access and manual tool work on slopes of 80%.
The Cos d’Agents Rurals (Rural Agents Corps) carried out 15,806 prevention, surveillance, and investigation actions during the campaign. Despite adverse conditions, over 80% of the 450 registered fires were smaller than one hectare, demonstrating the effectiveness of early detection systems. 15.5% of fires were caused by lightning, while most originated from human activity.
The Bombers de la Generalitat also provided support in Aragon, the Valencian Community, Ávila, and Belgium, participating in the extinction of large fires. The Forest Action Group (GRAF) monitored critical episodes worldwide, including one in Indonesia.
