High risk of forest fires

The General Directorate of Civil Protection and Emergencies of the Ministry of the Interior, in accordance with the predictions of the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), warns of a high risk of forest fires due to exceptionally high temperatures this week.

As of Monday, the progressive entry of a mass of very warm and dry air, of African origin, has been heating up the atmosphere, with Tuesday seeing maximum temperatures exceeding 30ºC in areas of Andalusia, as well as in inland areas of Murcia and Valencia, continuing and spreading into Wednesday.

It is very likely that the culminating phase of this episode will take place on Thursday and Friday, extending the marked rise in temperatures to other areas of the northern half of the peninsula.

During Thursday, the threshold of 30ºC maximum temperature is likely to be exceeded in the entire southern half, as well as on the banks of the Ebro. On the other hand, the 35ºC is likely to extend to the Guadalquivir valley in Córdoba and Jaén and, to a lesser extent, to the Guadiana valley in Badajoz.

With greater uncertainty, during Friday it is possible that the maximum temperatures continue to rise a little more in the eastern half of the peninsula and the Balearic Islands. In this way, 30ºC would also be reached in a general way in the Ebro valley, as well as in inland areas of eastern Andalusia, Murcia, the Valencian Community and Mallorca. On the other hand, it is possible that locally it exceeds 35ºC on the banks of the Ebro in Zaragoza and other points in the southern half, in addition to the Guadalquivir valley, where the maximum temperature values ​​could be around 38-40ºC.

The minimum temperatures will also be abnormally high throughout the country, especially during the early hours of Thursday and Friday in Andalusia, where locally there could be tropical nights without falling below 20ºC.

It is possible that late on Saturday the 29th, and more likely on Sunday the 30th, there will be a noticeable drop in temperature. During Saturday it could still exceed 35ºC in the Guadalquivir valley, as well as 30ºC in the rest of the southern half and the Ebro valley. During Sunday it is likely that the temperature drop will be more widespread, exceeding 30ºC only in the quadrant southwest of the peninsula, thus ending this episode of exceptionally high temperatures for the time of year.

High temperatures favour the risk of forest fires, it is very important to take into account all the precautions to avoid their appearance. If you discover the fire at its start, notify 112 immediately.

Recommendations from the Ministry of the Interior:

At high temperatures

• Limit sun exposure.
• Keep in well ventilated place.
• Eat light and regular meals, rich in water and mineral salts, such as fruits and vegetables.
• Frequently drink water or liquids.
• Dress in light coloured clothing, covering as much of your skin as possible and your head.
• Avoid prolonged physical exercises in the central hours of the day.
• Take an interest in the elderly and infirm, and those who live alone or isolated.
• Keep in mind that high temperatures favour the risk of forest fires.

To prevent forest fires

• Pay special attention to the regulations of the Autonomous Community on fire prevention and periods authorised to burn stubble.
• Avoid throwing cigarettes, garbage and, especially, glass bottles that have a magnifying effect in the sun. Negligence causes a large part of forest fires.
• It is prohibited to light fires or bonfires in the mountains and nearby lands.
• Camp only in authorised areas, since these have protection measures against a possible fire and evacuation is easier.
• If you discover the fire at its start, notify 112 immediately.
• In case of being surprised by a fire, avoid entering the mountain or forest. Always go to areas with high visibility and free of fuel.
• In the event of an emergency due to a forest fire, always follow the instructions of the competent authorities.

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