The city of Mataró has brought to an end the dismantling of an illegal camp that sprawled across 15 hectares of protected rural land. The operation, which began at 7.40 a.m. on Monday, involved some 300 people, including officers from the local police, Mossos d’Esquadra, Policía Nacional, Guardia Civil and staff from municipal services such as Civil Protection, Social Welfare and Licensing.
According to the town council, 85 individuals had been registered at the site, though more than half were not officially resident in Mataró. Since July, when the camp was formally declared illegal, 44 people had submitted applications to register, with 40 of those lodged after the warning was issued.
By 3 p.m., 14 people had been relocated with the assistance of municipal social services, which continue to receive requests from those affected. Evicted residents were allowed to retrieve their belongings and animals, with the possibility of collecting additional possessions later. Three families had already sought help from the council in anticipation of the eviction.
Authorities stressed the significant fire risk posed by the camp. Improvised and illegal electrical connections created hazards in a zone where any accident could have triggered a forest blaze. ‘The presence of permanent settlement activity on these plots greatly increased the likelihood of fire,’ the council noted.
The closure of the camp marks the end of a contentious issue for the municipality, highlighting the balance between social need, public safety and environmental protection.
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