Andorra Minister Defends Firefighters Over Ordino Urbanisation Blaze

Conxita Marsol, Andorra's minister of the Presidency, Economy, Work and Housing, has defended the firefighters' handling of the blaze at Ordino's Querola urbanisation, praising their efforts in saving two buildings and preventing forest damage despite the fire's scale.

Speaking as acting government spokesperson on Wednesday, Marsol said the initial response involved 18 to 23 on-duty personnel—a figure she described as appropriate for Andorra's size—rising to 35 by early morning with reinforcements. She rejected suggestions of staffing shortages, noting that no firefighters refused to mobilise and that support from Catalonia's Generalitat followed established protocols amid strong bilateral ties. The minister called the operation satisfactory, highlighting the absence of injuries or woodland impact.

The fire, which Marsol termed a major incident, destroyed 22,000 square metres including buildings and parking areas across a seven-block complex that was unoccupied. Crews contained its spread while prioritising nearby vegetation. She acknowledged room for improvement, stating that work is underway to streamline how off-duty firefighters join major incidents more swiftly.

Marsol also dismissed concerns over water supply, based on the fire chief's report, and confirmed that existing construction and fire safety rules were sufficient. The industry regulation dates to 1981 but is under review separately, while the buildings used approved materials pending final inspection.

In response, Carine Montaner, general councillor for Andorra Endavant, called for prioritising essential services like firefighting. In a Wednesday statement, she urged a comprehensive review of public structures to ensure proper resourcing, eliminate redundancies and optimise limited national assets amid debates on disaster preparedness.

Authorities have not disclosed the fire's cause.