Andalucia is prepapring a new law that will fine people who ignore warnings from authorities, including swimming off a beach when the red flag is raised.
The regional government is preparing to approve the decree on ‘citizen self-protection’, aimed at instilling what officials call a ‘culture of prevention and responsibility.’
The move follows a summer marked by deadly heatwaves, drownings and large-scale evacuations due to fires.
‘Something is wrong with public awareness when we’ve seen 169 deaths linked to heatwaves and 63 drownings, some even with red flags flying,’ said regional minister Antonio Sanz on Wednesday.
‘We cannot allow lives to be lost because people ignore clear prohibitions.’
What the decree will cover
The law, due to be approved before the next wildfire season, will introduce penalties for ignoring evacuation orders, entering restricted zones during severe weather or swimming in prohibited areas.
Sanz stressed that sanctions were necessary because ‘people still go into the water when it’s banned.’
The decree will also require self-protection plans for religious pilgrimages with over 100 participants or routes longer than 10km, as well as for large gatherings such as concerts.
Organisers will need to provide evacuation strategies and, in some cases, run drills.
In addition, all Andalucian municipalities will be linked to the 112 emergency platform by 2026 via a mobile and tablet app, allowing authorities to issue real-time instructions during crises.
Buildings taller than nine storeys – the maximum reach of firefighters’ ladders – will also need updated self-protection measures.
A summer of fire and loss
The decree comes after a brutal summer of emergencies. By early September, firefighters had tackled 702 wildfires, 258 more than last year, burning more than 5,500 hectares of woodland and scrub. Officials say the danger is far from over, with an extreme fire risk expected to last until mid-October.
Sanz noted that 85% of fires this year were contained before spreading, thanks to early alerts.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
