Lorraine Williamson
Thousands of hikers and holidaymakers in the Picos de Europa were told to abandon outdoor plans on Saturday after an emergency phone alert warned of “serious danger due to wildfires”. For the first time, three regions — Castile and León, Asturias and Cantabria — issued a coordinated Es-Alert, pushing the same message to devices across the park’s sprawling valleys and summits.
The alert landed just before 11.30 am, urging people to cease activity and follow official instructions. Cantabria also shut the Fuente Dé cable car as smoke reduced air quality.
Why the alert mattered
The Picos straddle all three regions, and summer brings heavy footfall: families on waymarked routes, climbers on limestone ridges, and campers in deep green valleys. With multiple fires active in the northwest and winds shifting, authorities opted for speed and scale. The joint Es-Alert — Spain’s cell-broadcast system for civil protection — aimed to move people out of harm’s way and keep tracks clear for crews.
Closures, bans and a helicopter air-bridge
Officials layered new restrictions after the phone alert. Swimming and water sports were banned at the Riaño reservoir because helicopters were scooping water there. Mountain routes were paused, and rangers asked visitors to avoid trailheads. Cantabria confirmed the preventive closure of the Fuente Dé cable car.
Evacuations in high country
Fire activity near Barniedo de la Reina prompted the evacuation of 120 walkers from the Collado Jermoso refuge area in the Valdeón valley. Minors were airlifted by the Guardia Civil; others were guided on foot to safety. Separately, authorities in León expanded evacuations across the Valdeón area as conditions worsened. All evacuees were reported safe.
Towns on heightened alert
Restrictions and warnings applied in Boca de Huérgano, Riaño, Burón, Acebedo, Posada de Valdeón and Oseja de Sajambre (León). Clearing paths for crews is critical as multiple fronts stretch resources in the northwest, with national media reporting dozens of active fires across several regions.
The wider picture
Spain’s third week of extreme heat has driven volatile fire behaviour across the north-west. National and regional authorities have surged aircraft, military units and ground brigades as evacuations mount. Scientists warn that hotter, drier summers are lengthening Spain’s fire season and pushing risk deeper into protected landscapes such as the Picos.
If you’re in the area
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Heed local alerts and ranger advice; avoid all mountain routes until authorities lift restrictions.
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Steer clear of the Riaño reservoir while aircraft are operating.
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Check official regional channels before travel; services and access points may be closed at short notice.
Outlook for visitors
Expect rolling closures and sudden route changes until winds ease and fire lines stabilise. As the coordinated phone alert showed, authorities will move fast to protect lives and keep access clear for aircraft and crews. If you’re planning to visit, delay high-mountain itineraries and keep plans flexible.
Sources: Diario de Valderrueda, EFE