Firefighters focus on hotspots in Gavarres wildfire near Costa Brava

Catalonia's Fire Service said on Monday it was not yet ready to declare the Gavarres wildfire under control, even though no active flames are now burning.

Firefighters continue working through hotspots across the affected area in La Bisbal d'Empordà, between Girona and the Costa Brava coast. 

Deputy fire inspector Mari Muñoz said several flare-ups occurred overnight, including one outside the fire perimeter near the Mas Ambròs area, which "was quickly brought under control." 

However, she stressed that hotspots remain, with particular concern over the fire's right flank and two other sectors identified as priorities.

Amid an ongoing heatwave, firefighters warned that the right flank could still be pushed towards Girona and Celrà if sea breezes strengthen during the day.

The wildfire, which broke out on Friday morning in the Les Gavarres massif, has burned just over 2,000 hectares.

Crews have significantly scaled back operations and are now focused on extinguishing remaining hotspots and preventing any re-ignition.

Buildings damaged

Firefighters have inspected 79 buildings across four municipalities: 45 in Calonge i Sant Antoni, 17 in Cruïlles, Monells i Sant Sadurní de l'Heura, 12 in La Bisbal d'Empordà and five in Santa Cristina d'Aro.

Of those inspected, 14 sustained partial damage, with flames reaching the exterior but not entering the buildings, while 11 suffered structural damage or damage inside the homes. Two vehicles were also damaged.

Muñoz said the fire perimeter, which stretches for around 40 kilometres, is "very badly burned" and has the "potential" to burn again in some areas.

For that reason, she said firefighters must wait until the hottest part of the day has passed – with intense heat and winds of up to 30 km/h forecast – before assessing conditions and deciding on Monday night whether the wildfire can be declared under control.

Investigation into suspected cause

Investigators believe it was caused by sparks from an angle grinder being used during roadside maintenance in an area where such work was prohibited under Catalonia's highest wildfire alert.

One worker was arrested on Friday and later released pending a judicial investigation.

Medical attention

Authorities said 14 people have required medical attention in connection with the wildfire since it began. No fatalities or critical injuries have been reported.

The Medical Emergency System (SEM) also said it was compiling details of residents whose homes were damaged so they could be offered psychological support.