High risk wildfire warning for anyone travelling to Spain

Glasgow Times

3 days ago

It shared the new advice to Brits on its website, warning: 'There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October.'
If you're travelling to Spain, you'll need to check the advice, which is kept up to date, to make sure it is safe to travel.
What to do before travelling to Spain amid 'high risk' wildfire warning
For those travelling to Spain via France, the government advises checking the travel advice for France here.
If you'll be reaching Spain after going through Gibraltar, you'll need to check the travel advice for Gibraltar here.
While travel advice is updated by the government, it reminded Brits that 'no travel can be guaranteed safe.'
Where are wildfires happening in Europe right now?
At the time of writing, fire crews in Greece, Spain and Portugal are racing to contain wildfires, taking advantage of calmer winds that slowed the blazes' advance.
Much of southern Europe, however, remains at high risk under hot, dry conditions today (August 14).
EU to send wildfire help to Spain as death toll rises https://t.co/EIosZTwa9l — BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) August 14, 2025
A drop in wind speeds allowed firefighting aircraft in the three hard-hit countries to step up water drops, concentrating on existing fire zones rather than chasing fast-moving fronts.
Authorities warned that extreme temperatures are likely to persist.
Spanish authorities reported the death of a 37-year-old volunteer firefighter who sustained severe burns in an area north of Madrid this week.
It was the third reported death in Spain because of the recent fires.
Thousands of people were evacuated from their homes in the region and still cannot return.
Fires also burned in France's Aude wine region this week, along Bulgaria's southern borders, near Montenegro's capital and coast, and in Turkey's north west and Hungary recorded record-breaking weekend temperatures.
From my hikes...
This morning, wildfires in the "Picos de Europa" National Park. Temperatures rise, as well as wildfires risk. Just one of climate change's effects. Be aware of this.
Have a good day!
Spain - 2025#hiking #hikingadventures #nature #NatureLovers pic.twitter.com/SVIIP1JSSV — Manuela Casasoli (@manuelacasasoli) August 13, 2025
Are wildfires common in Spain?
The UK government said: 'Wildfires happen often in Spain, including on the islands, during the summer months.'
It advised people to 'be aware of your environment when visiting or driving through woodland areas.'
If you're unsure what to do if a wildfire occurs when you are in Spain, visit the Civil Protection site (the website is in Spanish, but you can choose to translate it to English).
The government adds: 'Immediately report any fire you see to the emergency services on 112. In the case of wildfires, the situation can change quickly, so you should stay up to date with official advice.'
Recommended reading:
Be careful not to cause wildfires, the government warns: 'Causing a wildfire is a criminal offence in Spain, even if unintentional.
'Make sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished, do not light barbecues and do not leave empty bottles behind.
'You can be heavily fined for not following the rules against lighting outdoor barbecues in forest areas. Make sure you know the rules if considering a barbeque [sic].'