Wildfire in La Mola

Ongoing Risk

Formentera, August 25, 2025

On the afternoon of Sunday, August 24, a wildfire broke out in the lower area of La Mola, prompting the mobilization of various emergency services from the island and the Balearic Government. Although the fire was relatively small in size, it caused considerable concern due to its proximity to residential homes, tourist apartments, and a hotel in the area.

The first emergency calls came in shortly after six in the evening to the Formentera Fire Station, enabling a swift and coordinated response. Despite the initial scare, the absence of wind and the intervention of both ground and aerial units were key in bringing the fire under control in less than an hour.

The incident raised alarms, especially considering the large-scale wildfires that have recently affected mainland Spain. This episode in Formentera serves as a reminder of the importance of strengthening forest cleaning and prevention measures to reduce future risks.

Ultimately, although the affected area was very limited, the incident highlighted the island’s vulnerability to wildfires and the need for active land management to prevent more serious disasters.

Rapid response

The fire was detected between 6:15 and 6:20 PM, following several calls from residents. Formentera’s firefighters deployed a light vehicle, a rural fire engine, a light fire engine, a shift supervisor, and two crew members. The initial containment of the flames was carried out using a rapid intervention vehicle and with the support of a Local Police patrol.

The response operation was reinforced by IBANAT units, including a pick-up truck, a helicopter, a Canadair aircraft, and an amphibious plane, along with two environmental officers from the Balearic Government. Volunteers from Civil Protection and a Civil Guard patrol also participated, further boosting the response capacity.

Sensitive area

The fire was officially confirmed at 6:42 PM with a potential severity index of 0. Just half an hour later, at 7:12 PM, it was declared under control, having affected around 0.052 hectares of pine forest. The close proximity of numerous homes, tourist apartments, and the Entre Pinos hotel heightened the perceived risk, even though the affected perimeter was small.

According to some individuals involved in the firefighting efforts, the cause did not appear to be natural, and there are indications it may have originated from negligence.

The importance of prevention

This incident served as a reminder of the need to take extra precautions on an island with extensive forested areas and an accumulation of dry vegetation that has not been cleared for decades. Voices from various sectors reiterated the importance of intensifying forest cleaning and maintenance efforts in Formentera to prevent small flare-ups from turning into major wildfires.

The lack of wind and the quick response by emergency teams meant that yesterday’s event remained just a scare, but it stands as a warning to improve risk prevention strategies in the future, paying greater attention to the cleaning and removal of dry wood from our forests.