A vegetation fire on Montjuïc Hill forced the evacuation of Montjuïc Castle and halted the cable car on Sunday, 19 April, around 17:00. Five crews from the Barcelona Fire Service (Bombers de Barcelona) responded to the blaze, which sent a column of smoke visible across the city.
Official sources told ElCaso.com that the fire is located in a difficult-to-access area, complicating extinction efforts. The blaze began in scrubland near the castle, though its exact cause remains unknown and is currently under investigation. No injuries have been reported as a result of the incident.
Emergency Response and Public Impact
Sources from Barcelona City Council indicated that, in principle, the fire does not pose a major danger. However, its location on a steep, inaccessible slope significantly complicates firefighting efforts. The Generalitat Fire Service (Bombers de la Generalitat) deployed an aerial bombardment helicopter to assist ground crews.
Montjuïc Hill is a prominent landmark in Barcelona, home to the historic Montjuïc Castle, several museums, and sports facilities. It is a popular destination for both residents and tourists. The Telefèric de Montjuïc, a cable car, connects the hill to the city's public transport network, providing easy access to these attractions. The stoppage of the cable car caused immediate disruption for visitors on the hill.
Ongoing Firefighting Operations
Firefighting operations are continuing, with both ground and aerial resources working to bring the blaze under control. Authorities will launch an investigation into the fire's origin once the situation is stabilised. The incident highlights the challenges emergency services face when tackling fires in Barcelona's natural areas, particularly those with difficult terrain.
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Originally published by El Caso (El Nacional). Read original article.