The Sant Joan festivities in L'Hospitalet saw a surge of emergency calls, with authorities responding to numerous incidents. Firefighters extinguished multiple fires, including 30 burning containers.
L’Hospitalet de Llobregat experienced a lively but eventful night during the Sant Joan celebrations on June 23, resulting in a significant number of emergency calls. Between 10 PM and 6 AM, the local police received 781 calls to the emergency services, highlighting the challenges that often accompany this festive occasion. Among these calls, 143 were related to noise complaints, underscoring the typical disturbances associated with fireworks and bonfires.
The municipal report from the Guardia Urbana indicates that two individuals were arrested during the night. Additionally, three others faced charges for driving under the influence. The local firefighters and Civil Protection teams conducted 26 interventions throughout L’Hospitalet to manage various fire-related incidents.
A notable incident involved firefighters extinguishing flames at two private terraces on Calle Alegria, as well as tackling a blaze in shrubbery located in the La Torrassa neighborhood. This coordinated effort between Protección Civil and Bombers de la Generalitat was crucial in preventing further damage.
This year’s Sant Joan festivities mirrored those of nearby Barcelona, where approximately 90,000 people gathered along the coast. However, Barcelona reported more severe incidents, including 11 arrests and an assault involving a knife at Marbella beach.
L’Hospitalet’s authorities had proactively launched a campaign aimed at reducing fire risks associated with barbecues prior to the celebrations. They reminded residents of the strict prohibition against street barbecues due to last year’s dangerous incidents where grills were set up near vehicles on streets like Calle Granada and Avenida Catalunya.
The city’s efforts appear to have paid off this year as they managed to maintain order amidst the revelry. The balance of incidents remained relatively calm compared to previous years when similar events led to more extensive damage and chaos.
The aftermath of Sant Joan serves as a reminder for future celebrations: while festivities are essential for community spirit, safety measures must remain a priority. Residents are encouraged to celebrate responsibly and adhere strictly to regulations regarding open flames and noise levels during such events.
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