Although the fire is still in progress near Portbou (Spain) this Saturday evening, the mayor of the town, Gael Rodriguez Garrido, elected last June, announced the lifting of the containment. On Friday, the firefighters had imposed the travel ban to ensure the safety of the population in the face of the flames which spread around the Spanish town. For now, 573 hectares have burned.
“The road is a priority for firefighters”
However, the young city councilor calls citizens and tourists on vacation in his town located on the French border to responsibility. “Now there is a better perspective because we can leave Portbou. But the authorities recommend limit travel to workbecause the fire is not extinguished. You can go to France or to other cities but at your own risk. The road is mainly for firefighters and it is valid for the inhabitants of Portbou and for tourists“, insists Gael Rodriguez Garrido.
Fire “stabilized”, but not extinguished
If the flames are no longer progressing for the moment, they have nevertheless covered 573 hectares according to the Spanish forest guards. Saturday, late afternoon, bomber helicopters were able to take off to water hot spots on the outskirts of the town. Until then the gusts of the north wind prevented them from flying. The Catalan firefighters planned to stay on site overnight from Saturday to Sunday, before taking off the helicopters again on Sunday morning if the weather permits.
