Key facts
- Spanish authorities have issued warnings about an increased risk of wildfires during the upcoming solar eclipse.
- The country is experiencing exceptionally dry vegetation due to heat and scarce rainfall.
- An estimated 1.5 million additional car journeys are expected, raising concerns about emergency vehicle access.
- Restrictions include bans on parking near dry vegetation, barbecues, and fireworks.
- July was the joint-hottest month on record for mainland Spain, with record low rainfall.
- The Valencia region has closed natural parks and banned rural footpath access as a precaution.
Spanish authorities are urging caution as hundreds of thousands of people are expected to travel to view Wednesday's total solar eclipse, warning that the conditions are ripe for devastating wildfires. The environment minister, Sara Aagesen, highlighted the extremely dry vegetation and the potential for a small spark to ignite a major blaze.
Spain has experienced relentless heat and scarce rainfall, creating tinderbox conditions that have already fueled significant wildfires in recent weeks. The influx of an estimated 1.5 million additional car journeys on the day of the eclipse has raised concerns about traffic potentially blocking access for emergency vehicles in rural areas. To mitigate risks, authorities have banned parking near dry vegetation, as well as barbecues and fireworks.
The Valencia region has taken further precautionary measures by closing its natural parks and prohibiting walking on rural footpaths. July was recorded as mainland Spain's joint-hottest month since records began in 1961 and its driest July on record, with rainfall at only 26% of the normal amount for the time of year. Experts attribute the increased likelihood and severity of fires in southern Europe to human-caused climate breakdown.
Separately, hospitals are on alert for potential eye damage from the eclipse, with warnings for people to wear protective sunglasses. Six brands of glasses have been withdrawn for safety reasons. The total solar eclipse will be best viewed in a band approximately 200km wide across Spain. Nasa has set up telescopes in a small village to live stream the event.