Fire risk alert issued for Castilla y León

The Castile and León Regional Government has declared the fifth alert for wildfire risk for 11, 12, and 13 August across the entire region. This measure is being taken due to forecasts of adverse weather conditions that will increase the risk of wildfires starting and spreading.

Meteorological predictions indicate the arrival of an anticyclonic ridge over Castile and León, which will lead to rising temperatures, with maximums between 34 and 36 degrees Celsius. Relative humidity will also be affected, with minimum values below 10%. Critical maximum humidity levels will be below 40% in the southeast of the region and below 30% in the Central System of Ávila and Segovia.

Additionally, average wind speeds of between 20 and 35 km/h and gusts of between 35 and 45 km/h are expected. These conditions will place the wildfire risk index at extreme on 11 August, between very high and extreme on 12 August, and again at extreme on 13 August throughout most of Castile and León. This situation is exacerbated by the five heatwaves recorded during the season.

During the alert period, it is prohibited to light fires in the mountains and all recreational areas, use barbecues in open spaces, even those authorised, and use fire under any previously granted authorisations, which are suspended. The use of pyrotechnic materials is also forbidden. Work with machinery in the mountains within a 400-metre radius that typically generates fire, explosions, sparks, or electrical discharges, such as blowtorches, welders, or radial saws, is also banned.

This last prohibition does not apply to machinery used in emergency operations and public interest activities aimed at urgent repairs of public infrastructure and services such as electricity, natural gas, or telecommunications, provided these have been communicated to the Environmental Territorial Services and conducted according to their established measures. Exceptions also include expressly authorised uses and those necessary for extinguishing fires.

The Regional Government calls on citizens to exercise responsibility and extreme caution in activities carried out in natural environments and their surroundings during these days of elevated risk. It reminds the public of the importance of immediately reporting any signs of forest fires to the emergency number 1-1-2, as early detection and communication are essential for rapid intervention and minimising consequences.

Accumulated water stress maintains vegetation and live fuel ready to ignite, while wind and convective atmospheric conditions can favour extreme fire behaviour. These conditions, combined with preventive measures, aim to reduce the risk of forest fires in the coming days.

With this fifth alert of the summer, the Castile and León Regional Government reiterates the need to take extra precautions and follow issued recommendations. The forecasted weather conditions for the coming days require constant vigilance and the cooperation of all citizens to prevent incidents that could lead to forest fires.

Piece prepared by the newsroom from cross-checked sources in several countries.