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Catalonia wildfire smoke mixes with calima to reduce Murcia and Alicante air quality
Winds have carried the smoke nearly 400 kilometres south, prompting precautionary alerts
Residents of the Region of Murcia and Orihuela Costa woke on Tuesday morning, July 8, to the smell of smoke in the air and a faint haze across the sky, prompting widespread alarm and speculation about a possible local wildfire.
However, authorities have confirmed that there are no active fires in the area. The smoke, they explain, has travelled nearly 400 kilometres from the Baix Ebre region in Tarragona, Catalonia in northeast Spain, where a large forest fire continues to burn out of control.
The combination of smoke from the Paüls fire and a fresh wave of calima dust in the air has led to a noticeable decline in air quality throughout the southeast of Spain. City councils across Murcia, including Lorca and the regional capital, have issued precautionary health recommendations and activated pre-emergency protocols, although they stress that there is no direct danger to the population.
Unusually strong wind gusts, reaching up to 90 kilometres per hour in some places, helped push the smoke plume far beyond the fire’s original location. By Tuesday morning, the effects were being felt as far south as the Mar Menor and the Orihuela Costa, surprising many residents who feared a local blaze had broken out.
The City Council of Lorca was quick to clarify the situation, announcing that the burning smell and visible haze were the result of atmospheric currents carrying smoke from Tarragona, not from any incident within the municipality. As a precaution, Lorca’s Municipal Emergency Service activated the Emergency Plan in its pre-emergency phase and began monitoring air particle levels, particularly PM10.
In Murcia city, a similar message was issued. The presence of smoke and Saharan dust has led to elevated levels of PM10 and PM2.5 particles, both of which can affect respiratory health. Authorities recommend that vulnerable groups – such as children, elderly people and those with respiratory conditions – limit physical activity outdoors and keep windows and doors closed where the smell of smoke persists.
Murcia’s Environment Department is actively monitoring the situation through its air quality network and will continue to provide updates via official channels. Residents are urged to follow only verified information from trusted sources such as 112 Lorca and local government websites.
Catalonia fire continues to burn
The wildfire in Paüls, Tarragona, began on Monday July 7 and worsened overnight, fuelled by strong winds. As of Tuesday, it had consumed over 2,899 hectares and forced the confinement of nearly 18,000 people. Emergency services, including 86 ground crews and 280 personnel, are working to contain the flames, and the Catalan government has called in support from the Military Emergency Unit (UME).
Firefighters are battling to prevent the fire from spreading across the Ebro River into the Sierra de Cardó and the Els Ports Natural Park. A change in wind direction expected by mid-afternoon could increase the risk, especially along the fire’s right flank, where dense forest areas are at stake.
Three people have so far required medical attention, all for minor injuries or symptoms related to the smoke. President Pedro Sánchez has expressed his solidarity with affected residents and stated he is monitoring the situation closely in coordination with Catalan officials.
A rare but not unprecedented event
While unusual, long-distance smoke events are not unheard of in Spain, especially when combined with Saharan dust intrusions. However, the scale of this incident has caught many off guard, underscoring the importance of public awareness and rapid communication by local authorities.
The current situation is expected to be temporary, but residents in affected areas are advised to remain cautious, especially if they fall into at-risk health categories. Further updates will be issued as conditions evolve.
Image 1: Ayuntamiento de Lorca
Image 2: Murcia Today
Image 3: Bombers Cat
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