Dutch Tourists Witness Spanish Wildfire Near Calonge

Dutch tourists on holiday in Spain's Costa Brava witnessed a significant wildfire erupting near the village of Calonge. Edwin Beijersbergen initially mistook the large, orange-glowing cloud for a natural phenomenon before realizing it was a rapidly spreading wildfire. He described driving within 200 meters of the flames, noting the village was "completely on fire." The fire, which broke out on the Spanish northeast coast, has spread across approximately 2,400 hectares due to wind and dry conditions, destroying a farmhouse and a house. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported among residents. While 70 percent of the fire's right flank is reportedly under control, southern winds pose a risk of reignition. Catalan authorities have advised against travel to the affected region and requested around 12,000 residents to stay indoors, a reduction from an earlier request for 45,000 people. This lockdown is due to heavy smoke and to ensure clear roads for firefighters. Kirsty de Rover, a Dutch national whose holiday home is near the fire's origin, has packed her bags and is prepared to evacuate at any moment, noting the fire appears to be flaring up again. Beijersbergen, staying in Platja d'Aro, south of the lockdown zone, is heading to Barcelona. Catalan authorities have evacuated 150 people. Wildfires are common in Spain; nearly 400,000 hectares were destroyed last year, a record high. Separately, a wildfire in Vouzela, Portugal, injured seven people and required assistance from Spanish firefighters. A wildfire near Perpignan, France, is now under control after evacuating 3,000 people and causing minor injuries to eight. A man has been arrested by Catalan police on suspicion of starting the fire, possibly due to sparks from a grinder, an activity prohibited under current fire prevention measures.