The Agents Rurals of the Generalitat are monitoring access points to the natural areas this Sunday Baronia de Rialp and Serra de Mont-roig in the province of Lleida. Both areas are closed to visitors because of extreme forest fire risk. According to the Generalitat, Pla Alfa is in force at level 4 in the affected municipalities, the highest alert level in Catalonia's prevention system.
Emergency crews are setting up checkpoints on access roads, closing paths and drawing attention to the restrictions in force. The aim is to prevent people entering particularly exposed areas and to stop activities that could cause fires. With Pla Alfa level 4 activated, open fires and barbecues are among the activities prohibited; outdoor leisure activities are also severely restricted and sensitive natural areas temporarily closed, as Departament d’Interior explains.
The measure comes amid elevated fire risk across Catalonia. According to notices from the Generalitat, this Sunday numerous municipalities in Tarragona, Barcelona and Lleida are also at high to extreme risk; regional reports say more than a hundred municipalities are at the highest alert level. The administration cites the combination of prolonged drought, high temperatures and wind, which encourages fires to start and spread rapidly.
Residents and visitors are subject to clear requirements: closures must be respected and access to closed areas must remain blocked. The Agents Rurals advise people not to park vehicles near woodland, avoid creating sparks and use designated diversions. Breaches of the restrictions may be punished with fines; deliberate or grossly negligent actions may also have criminal and administrative consequences. The restrictions are intended to protect people and nature and are reviewed daily in light of the risk level.
The Generalitat stresses that Pla Alfa serves as a prevention tool that is continually adjusted. Depending on weather developments and soil moisture, closures may be eased or extended. The current monitoring of access to the Baronia de Rialp and Serra de Mont-roig is part of this graduated approach and will remain in force for as long as level 4 applies. The relevant Generalitat services and the Agents Rurals will provide ongoing updates on any further changes.
Editor: Andreas M. Brucker (Article created with AI assistance).