A fatal fire swept through a shared flat in Sitges, in the Garraf region, claiming a man’s life and leaving a woman with lighter injuries. The blaze unfolded in the early hours, shocking a community that woke to alarms and rising smoke from a residence first responders would describe as severely affected.
Fire Department teams from the Generalitat were alerted around 5:00 a.m. and dispatched seven units to the building on Santiago Rusinol Street, right in the heart of the city. Upon arrival, the crews faced heavy smoke and intense heat. They conducted a thorough search through the apartment and adjacent areas, moving with urgency to locate anyone who might still be inside and to assess the structural safety of the scenes affected by the blaze. Their efforts focused on initiating lifesaving measures where feasible and preserving as much as possible of the scene to prevent further danger.
Medical teams were quick to reach the site and provide on-scene stabilization. A man was found in critical condition with burns of varying degrees. A woman showed first‑degree burns along with signs consistent with smoke inhalation. Both were transported to specialized burn units for comprehensive treatment. The man was taken to Vall d’Hebron Hospital in Barcelona, a major center well equipped for severe burn care, while the woman was admitted to Oriol Broggi Hospital in Sant Boi, which also houses a multidisciplinary team prepared to manage complex injuries and recovery protocols.
The deceased was later identified as Josep Maria Martínez, whose loss shocked local circles as he was noted as the father of a council member. The Sitges Independent Group acknowledged the tragedy and extended condolences to all affected. Vinyet Lluís, a former councilor among those injured, received in‑region tributes from across political lines as residents and officials alike expressed sympathy and solidarity during this difficult time.
The fire damaged several key areas of the flat, including the dining room, corridor, hall, and balcony, while the stairwell suffered from smoke infiltration. The dense smoke drove residents to shelter indoors as firefighters worked to ventilate the building, prevent further spread of flames, and establish containment lines. Fire crews coordinated meticulous search and rescue operations, vented compartments to restore air quality, and continually assessed structural stability to keep the surrounding neighborhood safe.
The local police force, Mossos d’Esquadra, opened an investigation to determine the fire’s origin. Investigators are examining potential ignition sources, the pattern of smoke movement, and any safety measures in place within the building to understand how the incident began and whether safety violations contributed to the outcome. The inquiry aims to provide clear explanations for residents and the wider Sitges community and to guide preventive efforts in similar urban settings.
As Sitges works toward recovery, neighbors and officials have emphasized support for those affected by the event. Temporary housing solutions, community outreach, and emotional support services are being organized to help residents cope with damage to their homes and belongings. Authorities stress the importance of safety inspections for older buildings and multi‑occupancy residences, along with robust fire prevention practices to minimize the impact of future incidents.
In the aftermath, the community reflects on the resilience that emerges when neighbors rally to help one another. Firefighters and other responders carried out their duties with precision, prioritizing life safety, rapid medical care, and swift containment. The ongoing investigation by Mossos d’Esquadra continues to reconstruct the sequence of events, while hospital teams provide updates on the medical status of the surviving patient and the ongoing care for both patients. The situation remains under close review by local authorities and emergency services as they support the affected households and work to bolster urban safety measures.