Wildfires in Catalonia: A look at the history of fires through the data

Catalonia is one of the European regions most vulnerable to wildfires. Its hot, dry summers, combined with strong winds, vast forested areas, and rugged terrain, create the perfect conditions for forest fires. 

Over the past decade, Catalonia has experienced an average of 500 wildfires per year, with around 1,800 hectares burned annually. 

The worst wildfire season in Catalonia's recorded history occurred in 1994, when a series of simultaneous, violent blazes swept across the region, devastating nearly 80,000 hectares, equivalent to 120,000 football fields. 

While other seasons have also seen severe fires, such as in 1998 with 20,000 hectares burned, and in 2012 with 15,000, none have reached the catastrophic scale of 1994. 

That tragedy marked a turning point. It changed public perception and highlighted the urgent need for a robust firefighting force. In response, the Catalan fire department, known as the Bombers, began receiving increased funding and resources. 

The fires of 1994 also inspired hundreds of people to get involved, joining the force as professional firefighters or volunteering.

Alongside better government prevention efforts and growing public awareness, these developments have helped contain wildfire damage, even during the past three summers, which have been defined by record-breaking drought. 

However, experts caution that this relative stability does not mean the threat is decreasing. On the contrary, climate change is intensifying wildfires, making them more aggressive and unpredictable due to rising temperatures and prolonged droughts. 

As a result, Catalonia remains on high alert every summer. Most of the region is classified as high or very high wildfire risk, with only the mountainous Pyrenees relatively spared. 

Since 2011, the areas most affected by wildfires have been Alt and Baix Empordà in northern Girona, several parts of Central Catalonia, and Ribera d’Ebre in Tarragona. 

In response to increasing risk, the Bombers have had to expand. Following budget cuts after the 2008 financial crisis, the force is now recovering and approaching its all-time peak in size and capacity. 

In 1994, at the time of the disaster, the Bombers had 3,200 members, split nearly evenly between professionals and volunteers. By 2023, the force had grown to 4,700 members, with 60% now being paid professionals. Both numbers are expected to continue rising.

To learn more about wildfires in Catalonia, listen to the latest episode of our podcast, Filling the Sink.