Two Fires in One Day

An Arsonist in Formentera?

Formentera, 24 September 2025

Yesterday was a day of fear and tension for Formentera. In less than an hour, two nearly simultaneous fires broke out in different parts of the island, sparking a wave of fear and anger among residents. The quick response of locals and emergency services prevented a greater tragedy, but suspicions of intentional acts are once again growing louder.

This was not an isolated incident—back in August, two other fires with similar characteristics had already raised alarms. Although smaller in scale, technical reports also suggested those could have been deliberately set, pointing to a worrying pattern.

The theory that someone is intentionally threatening the safety and natural environment of the island is gaining ground. The coincidence in timing, the presence of multiple ignition points, and the choice of particularly windy days have not gone unnoticed by residents and authorities.

With the memory of past large-scale fires still fresh, the community is now facing these new emergencies with the unsettling feeling of being targeted by an arsonist. An invisible threat that fuels anxiety and reminds everyone of the island’s vulnerability to fire.

Two Fires in a Single Day

On 23 September, between 12 and 1 p.m., a first small-scale fire broke out on the Camí de ses Vinyes, between Es Pujols and Sant Ferran. It was quickly brought under control and only affected a small patch of scrubland.
The second fire, much more serious, started in the es Mal Pas area in Migjorn, and had at least two distinct ignition points—further reinforcing suspicions of arson. Neighbours in the area tried to stop the flames with garden hoses while waiting for the firefighters to arrive, and a water delivery truck nearby helped with the initial containment efforts.

Thanks to a coordinated effort by residents, firefighters, the Guardia Civil, local police, Civil Protection, and IBANAT, the fire was stabilised in just under half an hour. Still, concern lingered—especially since the fire broke out on one of the windiest days in recent weeks.

Precedents in August

On 26 August, two fire outbreaks had already been reported near Sant Ferran and ses Bardetes. Although they were small and quickly extinguished, the Environmental Agents’ report concluded they had likely been deliberately started.
These incidents, combined with the two new fires in September, are strengthening the theory that an arsonist may be operating in Formentera—fueling fear and anger among the population.

The Memory of 2017

The island’s collective memory still holds the scars of the devastating cala Saona fires in 2017, which burned through 30 hectares of forest in three separate episodes. At the time, investigations failed to definitively confirm arson, but the multiple ignition points and scale of destruction left a lasting impact.

Today, following the latest events, the island is once again reliving those images, with the added fear that this time, someone may indeed be behind the flames. A sense of vulnerability has spread among locals, who are now demanding answers and stronger safety measures to prevent Formentera from facing an even larger environmental catastrophe.