New Foreign Office Spain travel advice as thousands evacuated amid devastation
The Foreign Office has issued fresh travel guidance to Spain as thousands of residents across the nation face evacuation orders. Devastating wildfires are currently sweeping through the country's northeastern regions, with flames having already consumed more than 375,000 hectares.
Over 30,000 people have been forced to flee their homes in what marks Spain's most catastrophic wildfire crisis since 2006. Castilla y Leon, a landlocked community in northwestern Spain, bears the brunt of the destruction, with authorities battling more than 30 separate blazes simultaneously.
Meanwhile, officials have warned of a potential "megafire" in western Spain's Extremadura region if urgent action isn't taken. It comes after a huge blow to Canary Islands as tourists ignore 'bleak' warning.
Spain's meteorological service AEMET issued stark warnings yesterday of "very high or extreme" wildfire danger nationwide as mercury soared to a scorching 45C in certain areas, reports Bristol Live.
Following these developments, the Foreign Office revised its Spanish travel advisory last week, stating: "There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October." Officials warn that severe weather conditions can impact numerous Spanish regions, particularly throughout the warmer months.
The guidance adds: "Wildfires happen often in Spain, including on the islands, during the summer months. Be aware of your environment when visiting or driving through woodland areas. For information on wildfire risk, visit the Spanish Meteorological Office (AEMET).
"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 barbecue.
"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."
The deadly wildfires sweeping across southern Europe have claimed at least eight lives in recent days, leaving several others - including firefighters - injured.
Spain's leader, Pedro Sanchez, is set to visit one of the fire-ravaged areas today. Portugal has also been battling an unusually high number of wildfires this year, with over 200,000 hectares already scorched. This brings the total area affected by fires across the Iberian Peninsula in 2025 to more than 550,000 hectares.
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