More than 3,300 hectares of land were scorched by a wildfire that erupted near the town of Paüls in Tarragona province on 7 July 2025. One-third of the burned area lies within the protected Parc Natural dels Ports, a rugged mountainous region home to diverse wildlife and ancient forests.
The fire moved quickly through dry terrain, prompting emergency lockdown orders for around 18,000 residents in Paüls and surrounding areas. A firefighter tragically lost his life while working in difficult terrain to contain the blaze. Authorities brought the fire under control on 10 July after several days of intense firefighting efforts by ground crews and aerial support.
This Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, captured on 13 July, shows the stark burn scar left behind by the fire. The scorched landscape is clearly visible, contrasting sharply with the surrounding unburned vegetation.
Satellite data from the Copernicus Sentinel program plays a key role in documenting the extent of wildfires, helping emergency services and environmental agencies assess the damage and plan for recovery. In Spain’s increasingly fire-prone climate, timely satellite imagery is an essential tool for both response and long-term monitoring.
Featured image credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery
