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Temperatures of up to 42 degrees, the highest risk of forest fires and closed nature parks: the highest AEMET warning level is in force for Wednesday 19 August in the north of the province of Alicante. At the same time, the Generalitat has declared a Preemergencia 3 forest fire alert until Friday. Areas affected include Montgó, Penyal d’Ifac, Marjal de Pego-Oliva and Serra Gelada.
Anyone who has planned a trip to Montgó, Penyal d’Ifac or Serra Gelada this Wednesday will need to make alternative plans. Due to the extreme heat and the associated risk of wildfires, far-reaching restrictions are in place along the Costa Blanca. The Generalitat Valenciana has declared ‘Preemergencia 3’ – the highest level of forest fire risk – for the entire Comunitat Valenciana from 19 to 21 August inclusive.
At the same time, the state meteorological agency AEMET has raised its warning for the northern coast of Alicante to red, or „exceptional danger“. Between 1.00 pm and 8.59 pm, temperatures there could reach up to 42 degrees, particularly in the northern hinterland of the coastal area. An orange alert is in place for the southern coastal area of the province, where localised temperatures of up to 40 degrees are possible.
The measures affect several of the most important nature reserves between Dénia and Benidorm. Until and including Friday 21 August, it is prohibited to drive on or walk along forest paths and tracks in the following nature reserves:
The Serra de Mariola and Font Roja nature parks, situated further inland, are also among the areas designated by the Generalitat. The ban applies to access on foot, by bicycle and by vehicle via forest paths and tracks. Exceptions apply, amongst other things, to emergency and surveillance services, maintenance and supply operations, as well as to necessary access to residential properties, agricultural holdings or facilities within the parks.
In Benidorm, the Parque de El Moralet is also affected. The city has announced that it will be keeping a close watch on the access points to Serra Gelada and El Moralet. The police, off-road vehicles and drones will be deployed to prevent people from ignoring the closures.
The highest forest fire alert level (Preemergencia) is not limited to walks in nature parks. The Generalitat has banned or suspended further activities in forested areas.
These include, in particular, the lighting of any fires in woodland areas and within the so-called ‘Zona de Influencia Forestal’ (forest influence zone) up to a distance of 500 metres, certain works and activities carried out in or immediately adjacent to woodland areas, as well as the use of fire for festive or leisure purposes.
Permits already granted for sporting activities in woodland areas are also suspended during this period.
Sporting events taking place in woodland areas are not permitted. Restrictions on activities outside the respective premises also apply to leisure and camping areas managed by the Generalitat, as well as to accommodation and campsites in woodland areas.
The Centre de Coordinació d’Emergències has issued a warning of exceptionally high temperatures across large areas on 19 August. Over the course of the day, the wind in Alicante is expected to veer west to south-west; furthermore, isolated thunderstorms in the province cannot be ruled out.
The AEMET warning zone „Litoral norte de Alicante“ does not cover only the immediate coastline. The forecast temperature of 42 degrees is expected to be reached mainly in the northern pre-coastal area, i.e. slightly inland. Temperatures directly on the coast may be significantly lower.
The situation is similar in the south. An orange alert is in place for the AEMET area „Litoral sur de Alicante“ on Wednesday, with temperatures potentially reaching 40 degrees, although locally lower maximum temperatures are expected, for example, right by the sea. It is therefore the warning zone and your specific location that are decisive – not a single temperature figure for the entire Costa Blanca.
In such temperatures, the Regional Ministry of Health recommends avoiding direct sunlight during the hottest hours wherever possible, drinking water regularly and reducing physical exertion. Particular care should be taken with older people, young children and those with chronic illnesses. No one – not even animals – should be left in a locked, parked vehicle.
For people living in housing estates on the edge of a forest, the forest fire situation is also a crucial factor. Fires and activities that may produce sparks or intense heat should be avoided, and not just because of legal restrictions. Anyone affected should report smoke or a possible fire immediately by dialling the emergency number 112.
As things stand, Preemergencia 3, declared by the Generalitat, remains in force up to and including Friday 21 August. The particularly severe weather conditions are expected mainly on Wednesday and, to some extent, on Thursday; however, the restrictions in the designated nature reserves will remain in place for the entire period covered by the declaration for the time being.
As both AEMET and the Valencian Emergency Centre can update their warnings at short notice in line with weather developments, residents should check the latest advice from AEMET and 112 Comunitat Valenciana before going on hikes, travelling into the countryside or undertaking any planned activities in natural areas.
Redaktionelle Quellen: AEMET, Centre de Coordinació d’Emergències 112 Comunitat Valenciana, Generalitat Valenciana, Conselleria de Sanidad und Ayuntamiento de Benidorm.
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