Authorities impose restrictions as extreme heat, dry vegetation and millions of additional journeys raise concerns ahead of Wednesday’s eclipse
MADRID: Spanish authorities have warned that huge crowds gathering in rural areas to watch Wednesday’s total solar eclipse could increase the risk of devastating wildfires as exceptionally dry conditions persist across the country.
Environment Minister Sara Aagesen said vegetation remains extraordinarily dry after prolonged heat and limited rainfall, warning that even a small spark could trigger a major forest fire.
Police expect approximately 1.5 million additional car journeys on Wednesday as residents and tourists travel towards prime viewing locations. Consequently, authorities fear heavy traffic could obstruct emergency vehicles if fires erupt.
Officials have banned parking near dry vegetation or on road shoulders, while authorities have also prohibited barbecues and fireworks.
Record Heat Intensifies Fire Concerns
Spain ranks among Europe’s best locations for observing the eclipse, and officials expect around 460,000 international visitors specifically for the event.
Meanwhile, Valencia has closed natural parks and restricted access to rural footpaths as a precaution.
Spain’s weather agency AEMET said July tied as mainland Spain’s hottest month since records began in 1961. Furthermore, the country experienced its driest July on record, receiving only 4.3 millimetres of rainfall.
Authorities have also placed hospitals on alert for eclipse-related eye injuries. Health experts urged spectators to use certified protective glasses because directly viewing the sun can permanently damage eyesight.
Tourists Crowd Prime Eclipse Locations
The eclipse will cross Spain through an approximately 200-kilometre-wide viewing corridor stretching from A Coruña in the northwest to Mallorca in the Mediterranean.
Hotels and accommodation across towns along the eclipse path have remained heavily booked for months.
Additionally, NASA has installed four powerful telescopes near a Romanesque church in Villalibado, northwestern Spain.
The US space agency plans to livestream the eclipse from the village to more than 10 million viewers worldwide.
