Catalan firefighters mourn colleague’s death while battling Paüls wildfire

Friday 11 July 2025 - 16:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Catalan firefighters mourn colleague’s death while battling Paüls wildfire

Tragic loss during wildfire operations

A Catalan firefighter tragically lost his life on Thursday afternoon while combating a wildfire in Paüls, southern Catalonia. The incident occurred around 2:15 pm when Antonio Serrano, 46, fell more than 20 meters after a rock he was sitting on gave way.

Serrano, a member of the Granollers fire station north of Barcelona, was waiting for water to arrive to address smoke rising from a tree when the fatal accident happened. He was part of the Active Prevention Team (EPAF), specializing in clearing vegetation and cooling burned zones.

Joan Rovira, head of the intervention team, confirmed the details during a press briefing at 8 pm, stating, “All worries related to the fire are now less important.”

Emergency personnel responded immediately, with a medical helicopter transporting Serrano to Verge de la Cinta hospital in Tortosa. Despite their efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.

Investigation and wildfire status

The Catalan fire brigade has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Serrano’s fall.

The Paüls wildfire, which had been raging since midday Monday, was declared under control by 11 pm on Thursday. The fire burned through 3,321 hectares and caused lockdowns and stay-at-home orders in towns near the Ports Natural Park, including Paüls, Aldover, Xerta, and parts of Tortosa.

Residents in Baix Ebre saw signs of improvement on Wednesday as authorities declared the blaze more stabilized. Firefighters will continue monitoring the area for 72 hours to ensure it is fully extinguished, with 13 ground units still on-site Thursday night to prevent flare-ups.

Condolences from officials

Catalan president Salvador Illa expressed his condolences, stating that Serrano died “while on duty,” and praised the efforts of firefighters working tirelessly against the blaze. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also offered his sympathies on social media, expressing solidarity with Serrano’s family and colleagues.

Serrano’s death marks the third wildfire-related fatality in Catalonia this month. Earlier in July, two farmers lost their lives managing a fire in the Segarra region, which scorched 6,500 hectares.