Rural Agents have intensified access controls to the Les Gavarres massif, prohibiting entry for hikers, cyclists, and vehicles as part of the Plan Alfa 4. This restriction, affecting about twenty municipalities between Baix Empordà and Gironès, marks the first time it extends to paved roads crossing the massif.
In just one morning, on the road leading to els Àngels from Madremanya, agents turned away over 30 cyclists. The head of the corps in Girona, Jaume Bosch, explained that the aim is to prevent any human activity in the area due to the extreme fire risk, emphasizing that "sometimes people are not sufficiently aware of the risks they are taking".
The measures were announced on Saturday, following the fire that broke out on Friday in La Bisbal d'Empordà and has severely impacted the massif. The ban on pedestrian or vehicle access and the restriction of recreational activities aim, on one hand, to minimize human presence and, on the other, to facilitate the work of the Firefighters in case of new outbreaks. Bosch reminds that "nine out of ten fires are caused by human actions" and that in a massif as large as Les Gavarres, people might have the "false sense that entering the forest is harmless".
The regional head of Rural Agents stressed that there is still an active fire in Les Gavarres and that, despite the lack of visible smoke, the public must be aware of the risks. It is recommended to check the Plan Alfa level before heading to natural areas and, in situations of high or extreme risk, to choose other locations to avoid endangering people and nature.
Since Sunday, Rural Agents, supported by ADF, the Guardia Civil, and Mossos d'Esquadra, have been conducting access controls. On the road to els Àngels, despite signs stating 'Road closed. Fire risk. Residents only,' many cyclists, mostly foreigners, and some vehicles have been turned back. This measure is being applied for the first time to paved roads like the one to els Àngels or Santa Pellaia, which connects Cassà de la Selva with La Bisbal d'Empordà.
The restrictions also affect motorized traffic and sports activities, considering that alternative routes exist and flames could cross roads. Access to the restaurant at the els Àngels sanctuary is permitted for potential sheltering in case of fire. Affected roads include the GI-660, GIV-6612, GI-664, GIV-6703, and GIV-6641.
The closure affects 31,000 hectares of Les Gavarres and extends to 20 municipalities in Gironès (Cassà de la Selva, Celrà, Girona, Juià, Llagostera, Llambilles, Madremanya, Quart, and Sant Martí Vell) and Baix Empordà (Calonge i Sant Antoni; Castell, Platja d’Aro i S’Agaró; Cruïlles, Monells i Sant Sadurní de l’Heura; Forallac; la Bisbal d’Empordà; Mont-ras; Palafrugell; Palamós; Santa Cristina d’Aro; Torrent, and Vall-llobrega). Starting Tuesday, five more natural spaces will be added, bringing the total to 111 municipalities across 18 comarques.
