Firefighters warn of 20% rise in outdoor rescues since Covid and urge caution over Easter

Rescue operations in natural environments in Catalonia have risen by 20% since the pandemic, according to the head of the specialist unit within the Catalan Fire Service (Bombers de la Generalitat de Catalunya).

Callouts increased from 1,440 in 2019 to 1,867 in 2025, with 376 rescues carried out so far this year up to March 28.

Oriol Vilalta, who leads the Special Operations Group (GRAE, Grup d'Actuacions Especials), attributed the rise to growing public use of natural spaces rather than an increase in reckless behaviour.

He acknowledged, however, that a small proportion of incidents stem from negligence.

Since 2009, Catalonia's interior department has sought payment for 16 operations stemming from negligence and has recovered costs in 10 cases. These include incidents beyond mountain rescues, such as three false residential fire alarms.

Over the Easter holidays, the service expects a "high volume of operations" and is urging caution.

Outdoor activities

Vilalta said the increase reflects a broader range of outdoor activities. "The ways in which people access the natural environment have expanded significantly," he said, pointing to running, cycling (including e-bikes), and winter pursuits such as snowshoeing and ski touring.

In 2025, most rescues took place in mountainous areas (1,194), followed by searches for missing persons (371) and maritime incidents (179). There were also operations in rivers, gorges, and lakes (77), assistance missions (34), and rescues from wells or caves (9).

Wide range of cases, mostly minor injuries

Vilalta said those rescued range from occasional hikers to experienced athletes. "They know the environment and their limits, but they are not exempt from suffering a fall or an injury," he said.

In terms of trends, he noted an increase in rescues involving women and also people with minor injuries that, "although not life-threatening," still require intervention. He stressed that the unit's role includes providing medical assistance in areas inaccessible to ambulances.

Easter warning

Looking ahead to Easter, Vilalta forecast a surge in activity and a "very high influx" of people heading outdoors. He said longer daylight hours following the recent clock change would further boost visitor numbers.

"We might be dealing with an avalanche while at the same time responding to an injury on a coastal path on the Costa Brava," he warned.

He urged the public to act responsibly and adapt activities to their ability and equipment. "A timely retreat will always be a victory," he said, stressing the importance of turning back when conditions deteriorate.

Charging for negligence

Under legislation introduced by the Catalan parliament in 2009, the interior department can bill for rescue operations deemed negligent. This applies when incidents occur in restricted areas, when individuals lack appropriate equipment, or when emergency services are called without justified cause.

Vilalta said such cases remain rare and have not increased in recent years. "Negligence is not on the rise; on the contrary, people are increasingly responsible, more cooperative, and better at assessing risk," he said.

He also highlighted public compliance during emergencies: "When there is an ES-Alert [sent to mobile phones] or restricted areas, people respect it, and we do not usually have major incidents."