Massive Fire Destroys Six Buildings in Ordino's Querola Complex

A major fire devastated six of the seven buildings in Ordino's Querola residential complex, reducing the project to ruins shortly after its public presentation.

Ordino's menor conseller, Eduard Betriu, called the blaze "a disaster" due to its scale and the loss of what he described as a landmark project for the parish in terms of architecture and quality. In an interview on RTVA's Avui serà un bon dia, Betriu said it represented a setback not just for Ordino but for the country.

The fire started around 1:45am in the centre of one building and quickly spread to neighbouring structures. Betriu arrived at the scene by 2:30am, joining the fire service chief at the command centre. Firefighters focused on wetting nearby areas, particularly two adjacent buildings, to prevent spread to homes above the complex. Residents there were told to stay indoors until further notice, though no evacuations or temporary housing were needed. Smoke from the site also raised concerns, with wind from the north limiting buildup over the village core. Neighbours in the three closest buildings were advised to keep windows closed, without formal confinement orders.

The Coll d'Ordino road remained closed from 3am to 7am as a precaution against uphill spread, but locals could still park, drop children at school and move freely otherwise. Betriu noted that surrounding forest and nearby buildings were preserved.

Only one of the seven blocks avoided direct damage, though it remained at risk. The complex was in its final construction phase under a works licence but lacked final completion approval or a first occupancy permit from the commune. Developers, architects and owners arrived from 4am, supplying blueprints to assist responders. No one occupied the site, and there were no injuries.

Investigators have not identified the cause. Betriu recalled a minor welding spark earlier this year that was swiftly contained, but emphasised this incident's greater severity. He praised firefighters, police, traffic agents and others for containing the fire within the complex boundaries.