A wildfire has engulfed over 2,400 hectares near the historic Fitor church, endangering local businesses. Santi Cambil's restaurant remains on high alert as flames approach.
In a dramatic turn of events, a wildfire that ignited on Friday morning has rapidly spread across the Gavarres region, threatening both natural landscapes and local establishments. The fire has already consumed more than 2,400 hectares, prompting urgent responses from emergency services and raising concerns among residents.
Santi Cambil, who runs a restaurant adjacent to the ancient Fitor church, first noticed the smoke rising above the campanile around ten o’clock that morning. “At first, it looked like fog,” he recounted. “But with the tramuntana winds blowing, I quickly realized it was something far more serious.” As the fire intensified and changed color, Cambil understood that his establishment was in jeopardy.
Fortunately for Cambil and his patrons, shifting winds pushed the flames away from his property. However, at one point during the day, he found himself less than a kilometer from danger. “If it had started just a bit further east, I would have been directly in its path,” he reflected.
The situation is particularly poignant given Cambil’s unique lifestyle. Living in relative isolation with his animals—a mix of goats, dogs, chickens, and even a peacock—he often finds solace in nature while managing his culinary venture. Despite being surrounded by forests and having limited communication access, he remained vigilant throughout Friday as he maintained contact with local authorities including Mossos d’Esquadra and firefighters.
Cambil received reassurances that the fire was moving away but was advised to stay alert for any sudden changes in wind direction or intensity. He is well aware of what to do if flames encroach upon his home: close all doors and windows to prevent smoke infiltration and wait out the worst of it inside his stone-walled residence.
“The walls are sturdy enough; they can withstand quite a bit,” he noted pragmatically. Leaving for safety could lead him into an even worse predicament given that civilization is nearly twenty minutes away by car.
This isn’t Cambil’s first brush with adversity since taking over the restaurant in June 2022 under a ten-year contract with Forallac City Council. His establishment opened its doors on August 11 of that year after extensive renovations funded by both himself and municipal support.
Cambil previously spent nearly two decades managing a large estate owned by an ex-socialist minister’s family before pursuing his dream of becoming a rural agent through participation in local forest defense groups (ADF). His commitment to environmental stewardship is evident as he keeps radio equipment at hand to monitor fire developments.
As Friday unfolded amidst uncertainty about the fire’s trajectory, Cambil took time to reflect on his surroundings while tending to chores around his property. He planned to enjoy some music on his guitar while contemplating future meals featuring traditional dishes like callos, caracoles, rabbit al ajillo, and various homemade sausages once normalcy returned.
The community remains hopeful for rain or favorable winds that could help extinguish this raging inferno soon. Meanwhile, those wishing to visit Fitor should check local advisories regarding road closures or safety measures before planning their trip as recovery efforts continue.
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