Spain's Ministerio del Interior has issued a warning to everyone in the country, including tourists, as a severe heatwave continues to affect large parts of the nation. The alert comes after record-breaking temperatures, with the mercury soaring past 45°C in some northern areas and causing widespread red alerts.
Key Warnings from the Ministry
In a message posted on X on Sunday, June 28, the ministry urged people to avoid three specific actions to prevent wildfires: discarding cigarette butts or matches, making fires outside authorized areas, and abandoning flammable waste. The ministry stated: "In the forest, every gesture counts. Don't throw away cigarette butts or matches. Don't make fire outside of authorised areas. Don't abandon flammable waste." It added: "With heat and wind, the risk increases. A small oversight can turn into a big fire."
Record-Breaking Heatwave
The heatwave, driven by hot air from the Sahara Desert, broke long-standing weather records. The northern region of Cantabria recorded its highest-ever temperature of 43.7°C in Tama. Bilbao Airport experienced temperatures over 40°C on three separate days—Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday—marking the first time this has occurred three times in a single year. While temperatures began to drop on Thursday, June 25, with some rain and thunderstorms in northern and central areas including Madrid, high temperatures persist in southern regions like Andalusia, where Seville and Córdoba are seeing summer highs of 37–38°C.
Wildfires and Their Impact
The extreme heat, combined with dry conditions and lightning strikes, has triggered a series of devastating wildfires. A major fire between Tamarite de Litera and Alcampell has consumed over 4,000 hectares of land. Authorities suspect a harvesting machine started the blaze, which led to the evacuation of approximately 240 people from three nearby villages. Spain is one of the most fire-prone countries in Europe, with data from the Ministry for Ecological Transition indicating that human activity causes the majority of wildfires. More than half are deliberately set, while accidents or negligence—such as agricultural burning, discarded cigarette butts, or barbecues—account for a significant portion.
Safety Advice for Tourists
The Ministry of the Interior, responsible for domestic policy, public safety, law enforcement, immigration, and civil protection, emphasizes that even small oversights can have catastrophic consequences during hot, windy conditions. Tourists are advised to follow local regulations, avoid any activities that could spark a fire, and stay informed about weather alerts and fire risks.
