Spain evacuates over 1,000 as wildfires threaten eclipse plans
14:46, 10/08/2026, MondayU: Update: 14:47, 10/08/2026, Monday
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More than 1,000 people have been forced to leave their homes as wildfires spread in Spain ahead of Wednesday's total solar eclipse, prompting authorities to tighten safety measures amid extreme fire danger. Officials are particularly concerned that large numbers of visitors heading to rural and forested areas could increase the risk of new fires or hinder emergency operations.
About 900 residents were evacuated from Cati in eastern Spain's Castellon province as firefighters worked to contain a blaze near Tirig. The fire had burned roughly 684 hectares (1,690 acres) by Monday, with authorities closely watching its northern edge as it moved toward an area containing more than 60 livestock farms.The Castellon fire was among several blazes sparked by dry thunderstorms on Friday. Higher overnight humidity allowed crews to make some progress, but officials remained focused on preventing the flames from reaching Cati.
Thousands affected in Huelva
A separate wildfire near Niebla in southern Huelva province has led to the evacuation of 467 people and damaged an estimated 8,000 hectares (20,000 acres) since Thursday. Most evacuees came from Berrocal, a community that was severely affected by a major wildfire in 2004 that destroyed about 34,000 hectares (84,000 acres).
Solar eclipse raises new concerns
Spain is preparing for Wednesday's total solar eclipse, with large crowds expected to gather in rural locations, mountain areas and viewpoints to watch the event. The country's weather agency, AEMET, has forecast very high or extreme wildfire danger across much of Spain, raising concerns over visitor movement through dry landscapes and access for emergency vehicles.
Authorities have canceled some eclipse-related gatherings and plan to restrict entry to more than 100 natural areas. Officials have also warned that discarded cigarettes, barbecues and congestion caused by parked or moving vehicles could create additional hazards.
Ecological Transition Minister Sara Aagesen warned that exceptionally dry vegetation means even a minor spark or careless action could ignite a wildfire capable of causing serious harm to communities, ecosystems and natural areas.
Record heat adds to fire danger
Persistent high temperatures have further intensified Spain's wildfire threat. AEMET said Monday that July matched July 2022 as the hottest month recorded in mainland Spain since nationwide records began in 1961. The monthly average reached 25.7C (78.3F), standing 2.6C (4.7F) above the 1991-2020 average.