health
People flocking to Spain to view solar eclipse could spark more ‘devastating’ wildfires
Northern Spain will be one of the best places in world to view phenomenon with 460,000 extra visitors expected
TL;DR
- Spain faces an elevated risk of devastating forest fires due to exceptionally dry vegetation.
- An estimated 1.5 million additional car journeys are expected for the solar eclipse, potentially blocking emergency access.
- Bans on parking near dry vegetation, barbecues, and fireworks are in place.
- The Valencia region has closed natural parks and banned rural footpath walking as a precaution.
- July was Spain's joint-hottest and driest July on record, exacerbating fire conditions.
- Human-caused climate change is linked to increased fire likelihood in southern Europe.
- Hospitals are on alert for eye damage from improper eclipse viewing, with warnings about using certified protective sunglasses.
- Nasa has set up telescopes in Villalibado to live stream the eclipse.