Agricultural Fire Forces Thousands to Evacuate in Lleida Region

A raging agricultural fire has ignited in the Segarra region of Lleida, prompting the evacuation of thousands and causing significant destruction to agricultural lands. The blaze, fueled by strong winds, is spreading rapidly, forcing authorities to take urgent action to contain the flames and protect residents.

Confinement Orders and Evacuations

The fire has already ravaged approximately 1,800 hectares, primarily agricultural fields. Residents in multiple towns, including Vilanova de L’Ancuda and Ponts, have received confinement alerts on their mobile phones. They were instructed to stay indoors and keep windows and doors shut to protect themselves from the smoke.

Shipping ES-alert of #Protection with the fire of Torrefeta I Florejacs, in La Segarra. Order of confinement by the municipalities of Cabanabona, Vilalta and isolated masias of the area. Closing doors and windows, and if you need help call 112. #Alertacat #infocat

— Protecció civil (@emergenciescat) May 19, 2024

The Fire Department of Catalonia has deployed 38 units, including 10 aerial resources, to combat the blaze, which is proving difficult to contain. The fire’s intensity has forced firefighters to continuously reassess their strategy. Authorities reported that the fires in Sanaüja and Torrefeta remain active and are burning intensely.

Government Response

The Minister of the Interior of the Generalitat of Catalonia, Núria Parlon, is actively monitoring the firefighting efforts. The government has also asked citizens to adhere strictly to instructions provided by security and emergency services. The fire began around 5:08 p.m. in an agricultural area and is being pushed by strong winds from the storms.

“The sky is yellow and ash falls through the fires of the Segarra.”

— Social media user

According to a recent study, wildfires have increased in frequency and intensity over the past few decades due to climate change, with the Mediterranean region being particularly vulnerable (IPCC Report, 2021).

Current Situation

Strong winds, exceeding 90 kilometers per hour in some areas, have contributed to the erratic behavior of the fires. This has complicated efforts and caused the fire to expand rapidly. In Torrefeta, 33 land vehicles, 10 air units, and 102 troops are actively involved in fighting the fire.

Smoke from the fires has reached the city of Lleida, with residents reporting a yellow sky and falling ash. The Servei Català de Trànsit has closed traffic on the L-313 in both directions between Ponts and Guissona, as investigations determine the cause of the fire.