AEMET warns of the risk of fires during the eclipse: Be very careful! They could be very difficult to control

The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued a warning about the heightened risk of wildfires during the solar eclipse set to occur on Wednesday, August 12. The agency urged caution, emphasizing that fires could be extremely difficult to control if they were to start. This warning comes amid forecasts of high temperatures and dry conditions across much of the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands. AEMET’s spokesperson, Rubén del Campo, stressed the need for extreme care, particularly for those planning to venture into rural areas to observe the eclipse. The risk level for wildfires was categorized as very high or extreme in large parts of Spain, especially in the interiors of Galicia, Castilla y León, northern Aragon, and Catalonia, as well as isolated areas in southern regions. These warnings prompted several autonomous communities to raise their alert levels and restrict vehicle access to certain natural spaces. Authorities have also announced an unprecedented deployment of police and civil protection forces to manage potential emergencies. The government had been preparing for this scenario with specific plans aimed at coordinating responses among different administrations and traffic authorities. The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) classified the day as an Event of High Impact on Traffic (EVAAT) due to the anticipated millions of movements toward the area experiencing the total eclipse. Meteorological predictions indicate generally clear skies on the day of the eclipse, although clouds are expected over the Cantabrian region and Mediterranean coastal areas in southern Andalusia. Additionally, cloud formations will develop in the mountains of the north and east of the peninsula, potentially leading to isolated thunderstorms in eastern Pyrenees and Betic mountain ranges. According to AEMET's special forecast released midday, there will be intervals of evolving cloud cover in the eastern third of the peninsula, northern mountains, and eastern Andalusian zones. However, the agency noted that high-level clouds would mostly allow observation of the eclipse. During the eclipse, the sun’s elevation relative to the horizon will be low, meaning any clouds interfering with visibility will likely be located west and slightly north of the observation zone, even many kilometers away from observers. Several regions where the eclipse will be most visible are facing extreme wildfire risks. Communities such as Soria and Teruel, which are not accustomed to mass tourism, are bracing for a surge in visitors that could amplify fire hazards. In recent days, multiple autonomous communities have implemented measures to restrict access to forested areas and reinforce monitoring and firefighting efforts. The National Police announced a deployment of 24,000 officers for the event, focusing on 660 observation points. The minister for Ecological Transition, Sara Aagesen, highlighted the importance of maximum caution given the dry vegetation and low humidity levels. Authorities have reiterated bans on open fires in forested areas and advised against parking vehicles on dry vegetation, a negligence that has already caused several fires this summer, including one in Navas de San Juan (Segovia) last weekend. They also emphasized the need for careful disposal of glass and cigarette butts, as well as avoiding the use of machinery that can generate sparks or handle hot engine oils. Ignacio Pérez-Soba, a representative of the Official College of Forestry Engineers of Spain, warned that particular attention should be paid to areas frequented by foreign tourists, who might perceive the risk differently than locals. He pointed out that many countries in central and eastern Europe do not experience wildfires as frequently as Spain, so visitors may not fully grasp the danger. According to the Ministry of Economy, around 446,700 international visitors are expected to come to Spain this week because of the eclipse. Provinces such as Lugo, Ourense, Zamora, León, Salamanca, Ávila, Segovia, Palencia, Burgos, Soria, Guadalajara, Madrid, and Teruel face an "extreme" risk level due to lack of rainfall, abundant dry vegetation, soil moisture levels, and wind forecasts. Although most of the area where the astronomical event will take place has a "high" (yellow) or higher risk level, these provinces stand out for their extreme conditions. Pérez-Soba also recommended that people do not necessarily need to travel to remote locations or drive deep into forests to view the eclipse. He explained that having visibility towards the west is crucial, and being in the wrong location could mean missing the event entirely. Moreover, he noted that the eclipse can be viewed perfectly from urban areas. Some autonomous communities have imposed traffic restrictions in mountain passes to prevent congestion and minimize the environmental impact of mass gatherings. The regional government of Castilla y León acknowledged that the week of August 12 statistically sees the highest number of forest fires, hence issuing a map marking vast areas within the community as "not recommended." In Aragon, access by vehicle to forested areas has been restricted for residents, workers, and visitors heading to designated towns or parking lots. Meanwhile, the Madrid regional government requested the regional administration to restrict both vehicle and pedestrian access to the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park and the Cuenca Regional Park.