The fire, which broke out in Masllorenç, has prompted Protecció Civil to order the confinement of the areas of Masllorenç and Masarbones, as well as several nearby urbanizations. An ES-Alert message has been sent to residents, asking them to close doors and windows and stay indoors.
Firefighters report that the blaze is spreading and generating secondary ignitions at a distance. However, the fire's head is advancing towards a cultivated vineyard area that could act as a containment line. Due to the fire, roads TV-2041, TV-2042, and C-51Z have been cut in several sections.
The mayor of Masllorenç, Joan Obradó, explained that the confinement affects approximately six hundred people. Concern is focused on the left flank of the fire, where firefighters are prioritizing their efforts due to its proximity to the municipal area. Obradó highlighted today's high temperatures as a factor that could hinder firefighting operations.
This fire occurs amidst the start of a heatwave, characterized by very high temperatures, low relative humidity, and elevated nighttime temperatures, which increases the extreme risk of forest fires.
The Agents Rurals (Rural Agents) maintain level 4 of the Plan Alfa for extreme forest fire risk in 43 municipalities across 7 counties, and level 3 for very high risk in 218 municipalities across 19 counties. Access restrictions are also in place for natural areas such as Montmell-Marmellar, Montsant, and Prades, which will be extended tomorrow.
The forecast indicates that the fire risk could continue to rise in the coming days, reaching maximum levels from August 1st, potentially leading to an expansion of municipalities affected by levels 3 and 4 of the Plan Alfa, particularly in the western pre-Pyrenees, Ponent, Central Catalonia, the interior of Terres de l'Ebre, and the pre-coastal counties.
