Devastating wildfire in Spain kills 11. Photo: Shutterstock Spain's Aragón region has placed 24 areas under a Red Alert for forest fire danger as authorities warn that hot weather and shifting winds could create favorable conditions for wildfires across parts of northeastern Spain.
The alert, issued by the General Directorate of Forest Management of the Government of Aragón for Thursday, July 16, covers a wide range of locations, including the Western and Eastern Pyrenees, Maestrazgo, Moncayo, Javalambre, Montes Universales, Somontano, and the Puertos de Beceite.
The combination of dry vegetation and windy conditions has prompted authorities to implement the highest level of forest fire risk warnings in the affected areas.
Under the Red Alert, several restrictions have automatically come into force. Open fires are prohibited, including barbecues and campfires in recreational areas and campsites. The use of pyrotechnics in forest environments has also been banned, while some sporting events and public gatherings in wooded areas may be suspended unless specific authorization has been granted.
Authorities have additionally restricted the use of machinery capable of producing sparks or electrical discharges within 400 meters of forested areas. Certain agricultural activities, including cereal harvesting, may continue under strict conditions and time limitations.
The warning comes as much of southern Europe continues to grapple with extreme weather. Spain's Ministry of Health has already issued heatwave alerts for parts of Andalusia and the Balearic Islands, where temperatures could reach 44 degrees Celsius in the coming days.
Wildfire concerns have been heightened nationwide following the devastating blaze near Los Gallardos in Andalusia earlier this month, which claimed 13 lives and became one of Spain's deadliest wildfires in decades.
While no major wildfire emergency has been declared in Aragón, officials are urging residents and visitors to remain vigilant and strictly adhere to the restrictions in place.
With temperatures remaining elevated and winds forecast to persist, authorities say preventing a single spark from becoming a major wildfire remains the region's top priority this week.