Given the risk of fire due to the extreme heat wave in Catalonia these days —temperatures never experienced even by our grandparents, which will not end soon— restrictions have been imposed in nine natural parks across the country as well as in 275 towns in 20 counties of Catalonia. Among these towns is the capital city, Barcelona, also at extreme risk of fire, but not the Collserola Natural Park. However, it should be noted that some restrictions approved by the Catalan ministry of the Interior are also in force.
What can be done in Collserola?
Following the recommendations of the Catalan government, it would be best to avoid going to the park in this heat wave to minimize the risk of fire. Access to the Collserola Natural park, located in between Barcelona and Sant Cugat, is not restricted. These two towns, however, are considered to be in extreme risk of fire, the restrictions on motorized traffic in the natural environment are applied, and educational activities in leisure and sports activities that take place in the natural environment are suspended. Barcelona's provincial government institution will signpost the accesses with information on traffic restrictions, not only in Collserola, but also in the coastal area of the counties in the metropolitan area.
More troops to monitor Collserola
The Barcelona City Council activated the Municipal Action Plan for Risk of Forest Fires, which is in its Alert Phase before the Catalan government activated Level 3 of Plan Alfa (the plan against forest fires) in the Barcelona county. All of Barcelona's fire stations will remain on alert due to the high probability of a fire in forest areas, and resources for Collserola are increased. The teams are deployed throughout the nearly 1,800 hectares of park area within the city of Barcelona and between the districts of Les Corts, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, Horta-Guinardó, Nou Barris and Gràcia.
In which towns are restrictions mandatory?
According to the decree approved by the Catalan government, the restrictions to minimize the risk of fire during the heat wave affect 275 towns in 20 districts of Catalonia. You can consult in this complete list all affected towns and cities. It is recommended that measures also be applied throughout the country to avoid the possibility of fire, considering the situation, as denounced yesterday by the Catalan minister of Interior, Joan Ignasi Elena, is "extreme".