Andorran Firefighters Aid Catalonia in Battling Lightning-Struck Wildfire

Catalan and Andorran firefighters have fully extinguished the wildfire detected near Os de Civís on Wednesday, confirming no hotspots remain after morning showers helped moisten the soil.

The fire, triggered by two lightning strikes on the lower Catalan slopes of Pic de Salòria in Alt Urgell above 2,000 metres, burned just over one hectare, mainly low-lying vegetation and scrub. Ground teams from both regions conducted a final perimeter check before lifting all preventive measures. Officials had already declared it under control on Thursday afternoon, but today's light rain across the area—including in Andorra—enabled the total extinguishment certification sooner than usual.

The blaze began around 1:32pm Wednesday. Andorran teams spotted the smoke shortly after 1pm and joined Catalan efforts under cross-border protocols. Up to five helicopters operated simultaneously at peak, dropping water and retardant while shuttling ground crews to the steep, high-altitude terrain. Catalan forces deployed up to 52 personnel over two days, including 15 firefighters, one helicopter from the Seu d'Urgell station and volunteers. Andorra contributed three helicopters, three non-commissioned officers and six firefighters from the Massana station.

Quick aerial intervention prevented the flames from spreading to trees. Officials noted the organic-rich soil had posed risks, but checks confirmed no reignition threats. Government spokesperson Guillem Casal highlighted the effective collaboration, akin to recent aid for the Farrera fire in Pallars Sobirà.

Fire crews continue to warn of high temperatures and lightning risks from minor storms. Separately, Andorran teams extinguished a 25-square-metre brush fire near Coll de la Gallina in Sant Julià de Lòria, also from an undetected lightning strike on July 23. Casal advised caution with open flames, waste or cigarettes in forests.