The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Spain’s national weather agency (AEMET) has advised UK travellers to exercise extreme caution as temperatures rise today, Tuesday, triggering “very high or extreme” wildfire risks across much of the mainland and the Balearics – particularly in the Mediterranean area due to dry, overheated westerly winds.
Wildfire risk peaks mid-week across the mainland and Balearic Islands. The national emergency for Avila and Madrid has eased, but the situation remains critical, with widespread high risks extending north.
Causing a wildfire is a serious criminal offense in Spain, even if accidental. You face heavy fines for lighting outdoor barbecues in forest areas, leaving empty glass bottles, or failing to properly extinguish cigarette ends.
Report any sighting of a fire immediately to the emergency services by dialing 112. The FCDO states: Check local conditions before visiting national parks, hiking trails, or beaches, as authorities frequently close roads and recreation areas with no advance notice. Monitor real-time safety instructions via the Spain Civil Protection Website.
Further advice includes: Avoid strenuous outdoor activities, open squares, or archaeological sites between 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM when heat levels peak. Plan walks and city tours during the cooler morning or evening hours.
Drink plenty of water constantly, apply high-SPF sunscreen, wear lightweight clothing, and seek air-conditioned indoor spaces like museums or galleries to prevent heat exhaustion. Stagnant heat and active wildfire smoke are causing poor air quality around major cities. Children, the elderly, and travelers with respiratory or cardiovascular issues should restrict outdoor exposure when alerts are active.
Never leave children or pets inside a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes, as enclosed cars heat up rapidly. Ensure you carry ample water during car journeys. In a new update issued on Tuesday, Spain’s national weather agency AEMET warned: “Fire danger increases this Tuesday due to the rise in temperatures.”
The social media post, which has been translated from Spanish, continues: “Wednesday will be very high or extreme in much of the Peninsula and Balearic Islands, especially in the Mediterranean area due to the arrival of very dry and overheated westerly winds. Caution!”