During the summer months, high temperatures and dry conditions significantly increase the risk of wildfires across Spain. These fires can cause extensive damage to the environment and pose serious risks to human life.
One common cause of wildfires is human negligence, such as discarding cigarettes or other flammable objects from vehicles. Due to these risks, penalties for such actions are severe in Spain.
What to do if you encounter a fire while driving
If you find yourself driving in an area affected by a wildfire, the most crucial thing is to stay calm and avoid panic. Your safety is the priority, so do not take unnecessary risks. Here’s what you should do:
Find a safe location
If you see a fire ahead, do not try to drive through it. Stop in a safe place, preferably in a nearby town or a location without vegetation. If these are not available, consider stopping in an area that has already burned, as it is less likely to reignite.
Notify authorities
Immediately call 112 to report the fire’s location. Do not assume someone else has already reported it. If you have the My112 app on your phone, use it to help emergency services track your exact location more accurately. You can also download the AlertCops app.
Stay inside your vehicle
If the fire is nearby but not directly threatening your location, stay inside your car. Keep the windows rolled up and turn off the vehicle’s ventilation to prevent toxic smoke from entering. Turn on your headlights and emergency lights to make your vehicle visible to others.
- Prepare for Extreme Situations: If you must leave your car due to immediate danger, cover your skin and face to protect from heat and smoke. Move away from the fire and avoid taking shelter in places like caves or holes, where you might run out of oxygen. If possible, breathe through a damp cloth to reduce inhalation of smoke and toxic gases.
What you should avoid during a wildfire
The Spanish traffic authority, Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), advises against several actions during a wildfire:
- Do not drive through smoke or fire: Flames and smoke can spread quickly, trapping you before you can escape. Always look for alternative routes that lead away from the fire zone.
- Avoid high areas: Fires tend to move uphill, so do not seek higher ground as a refuge. Instead, stay on lower ground and away from the path of the fire.
- Do not abandon your vehicle unless necessary: Your car can provide some protection from the heat and flames. Only leave it if the fire is too close and staying in the vehicle is more dangerous.
- Do not park on vegetation: The hot exhaust system of your vehicle can ignite dry vegetation, causing a fire. Always park on paved surfaces rather than dirt or grass.
- Follow emergency services instructions: If emergency services are on-site, always follow their instructions for the safest outcome.
Preventing wildfires: Do not throw cigarettes out of cars
One of the most common causes of wildfires is carelessly discarding cigarette butts from car windows. In Spain, this act is illegal and heavily fined due to its potential to start fires. Always dispose of cigarettes properly in designated containers.
A look at wildfire statistics in Spain
In the first two months of this year, 8,519.81 hectares have burned in Spain. This figure is almost 10% less than the ten-year average of 7,734 hectares per year but 35% more than in 2023, when 5,540.37 hectares were lost to wildfires in the same period. These statistics, provided by the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge (MITECO) and reported by Europa Press, indicate that 2024 is on track to be the sixth-worst year for wildfires in the past decade. Despite there being only one major fire reported so far, as opposed to four in February 2021, the fires this year have already caused significant damage, with 759 incidents recorded. This highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and adherence to safety protocols to prevent further devastation.