Tourists Need to Exercise Caution as Spain's Forests Ignite - Forest Fires in Spain: A Caution for Travelers
Wildfires Ravage Northwest and Central Spain, Affecting Tourist Regions
Spain is currently grappling with a series of wildfires that have spread across several regions, including Castile and León, Galicia, Asturias, and Extremadura. The largest of these fires are primarily located in the west and north of the country, with over 115,000 hectares burned so far.
The provinces of Zamora and León, the Galician province of Ourense, and the western province of Cáceres and the Extremadura region near the Portuguese border have been particularly hard-hit. Over 50,000 hectares have been consumed by the fires in Galicia alone, with Ourense being the most affected.
The forests in the north and center of Portugal are also ablaze, adding to the regional concern. One of the largest fires is in Jarilla, about an hour from the Portuguese border, where 15,000 hectares of forest have been destroyed.
Travelers in Spain are advised to follow the instructions of the police and firefighters. Some camping sites may be closed or evacuated due to the forest fires, and drivers should expect road closures and reduced visibility. High-speed trains between Madrid and Galicia, such as to Santiago de Compostela, are not currently operating.
Some roads may require detours for visitors, and travel organizers must provide alternative accommodation if the return journey is not immediately possible. However, whether forest fires count as "unusual circumstances" for cancelling package tours free of charge is not clear-cut. Travelers on site who want to cancel their trip must prove "unusual circumstances."
Approximately 70 German firefighters are currently helping to extinguish the fire in Jarilla. The Spanish weather agency Aemet has identified the highest risk of forest fires in the south of Spain, but the current wildfires have predominantly affected the north and center of the country.
Spain, the second most visited country in the world, with approximately 85 million tourists annually, is urging visitors to stay safe and follow instructions during this challenging time. Travel organizers must cover costs if the trip has to be cut short and the return journey is part of the booking.
Campers are advised to avoid grilling and open fires in case of forest fire danger. The authorities are working tirelessly to contain the fires and keep the public safe. As of now, there are 40 forest fires in Spain.
