Andalucia’s minister for the interior has warned that the region remains on red alert for wildfires, despite a drop in temperatures from Tuesday.
Speaking on World Fire Prevention Day, Antonio Sanz said: ‘The risk of fires remains extreme. Everyone must act with maximum caution to protect our mountains and towns.’
Sanz explained that the recent 16-day heatwave has left vegetation under severe water stress, making it highly flammable.
READ MORE: Meet the ‘firefighting donkeys’ helping keep Andalucia safe from wild fires
Added to that, last autumn and winter brought unusually heavy rains that encouraged forest growth, which is now dried out and at its most combustible.
‘This combination means any fire that breaks out will be very difficult to control unless there is constant prudence and vigilance,’ Sanz added.
The Andalusian Emergency Agency (EMA) confirmed that INFOCA, 112 and Civil Protection brigades remain fully deployed for prevention and rapid response.
Sanz has also urged town halls to restrict access to forest areas, in line with regional rules, and called on Spain’s central government to ensure state security forces step up surveillance in rural zones.
Public urged to act responsibly
Sanz made a direct appeal to residents and visitors alike:
- Avoid barbecues and burning agricultural waste
- Do not drive motor vehicles through forest tracks
- Never throw fireworks, lanterns, glass or litter in the countryside
For those living in urban-forest interface areas, he stressed the need to keep gardens tidy, avoid dry plant build-up, prune trees, and ensure vegetation does not touch houses.
‘Still a tinderbox’
Despite temperatures easing, the minister warned that dry vegetation, high winds and dense forest mass still make Andalucia one of Europe’s most fire-vulnerable regions.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
