Spain battles major wildfires ahead of total solar eclipse

International

More than 1,000 people have been evacuated in Castellon and Huelva as extreme fire risk coincides with an expected influx of eclipse watchers

More than 1,000 people remained evacuated in Spain on Monday as firefighters continued to battle major wildfires in the provinces of Castellon and Huelva. The emergency comes just days before the total solar eclipse on Wednesday, when large numbers of visitors are expected to travel to rural areas and viewpoints across the country.

Authorities are particularly concerned about the combination of exceptionally dry vegetation, persistent heat and increased traffic into natural areas. Access restrictions are being introduced in many locations, while several organised eclipse events have already been cancelled.

Hundreds evacuated in Castellon and Huelva

Around 900 people were evacuated from Cati in the eastern province of Castellon as firefighters fought a blaze near Tirig. By Monday, the fire had affected around 684 hectares.

The blaze was among several triggered following dry thunderstorms on Friday. Higher overnight humidity helped firefighting efforts, but concern remained over the northern flank advancing towards Cati, where more than 60 livestock farms are located.

In Huelva, a wildfire near Niebla had affected approximately 8,000 hectares and forced 467 people to leave their homes. Most were residents of Berrocal, an area that suffered a devastating wildfire in 2004 in which around 34,000 hectares burned.

Eclipse brings additional pressure on emergency services

The fires coincide with preparations for the total solar eclipse on 12 August. Millions of people are expected to head outdoors, with rural locations, mountains and elevated viewpoints among the most popular observation sites.

Spain’s weather agency AEMET forecasts very high or extreme wildfire risk across large parts of the country on eclipse day. Authorities fear that additional traffic could hinder access for emergency vehicles, while cigarettes, barbecues and other sources of ignition could start new fires.

“The vegetation is extraordinarily dry, and a small spark or an act of carelessness can trigger wildfires with devastating consequences for people, ecosystems and natural heritage,” Ecological Transition Minister Sara Aagesen warned.

Authorities plan to restrict access to more than 100 natural areas, while a number of eclipse-related events have been cancelled as a precaution.

Record heat adds to fire danger

Persistent high temperatures are further increasing the risk. According to AEMET, July 2026 tied with July 2022 as the hottest month recorded in mainland Spain since nationwide records began in 1961.

The average temperature reached 25.7°C, 2.6°C above the 1991–2020 average. With dry conditions continuing into August, authorities are urging eclipse visitors in particular to avoid any activity that could create an additional fire risk.