The town of Tàrrega was placed under a temporary lockdown for approximately four hours on Thursday, from 19:05 to 22:50, due to a forest fire in Guimerà that reignited in the afternoon. The lockdown was implemented following an alert from the Civil Protection Agency, which sent a message to residents advising them to stay indoors, close doors and windows, and follow instructions from authorities.
Tàrrega's mayor, Rosa Maria Perelló, along with the local government, convened the Municipal Civil Protection Commission to assess the situation and issued a decree to halt outdoor activities and close municipal facilities. The local police maintained special surveillance measures throughout the urban area to ensure compliance with the lockdown, and access to the Parc de Sant Eloi was restricted.
As a result of the fire, all cultural and sporting events were cancelled, including the inaugural concert of the Paupaterres festival, which was scheduled to take place at Parc de Sant Eloi. The smoke and smell of burning were noticeable throughout Tàrrega.
The community responded promptly, with numerous farmers volunteering their tractors to assist in firefighting efforts. In a gesture of support, the Paupaterres festival provided sandwiches to firefighters and tractor drivers involved in controlling the blaze.
The Tàrrega City Council and Ràdio Tàrrega issued updates regarding the fire's progress and preventive measures. A command centre for firefighters was established in Cervera. By just before 11 PM, the fire was stabilised, and the lockdown was lifted. The Paupaterres festival is expected to resume its concert programme at the Municipal Camping site on Friday.
