The Generalitat Valenciana has declared pre-emergency level 3 (Preemergencia) for Wednesday, 12 August 2026, due to extreme wildfire risk throughout the territory of the Comunitat Valenciana . The measure allows wide-ranging restrictions in particularly vulnerable natural and coastal areas and is intended to prevent incidents amid the large visitor movements expected to watch the solar eclipse.
In València the city council is implementing the requirements through closures and access restrictions. Areas affected include Playa de la Malva-rosa as well as the area of the Parque Natural de l'Albufera. Access to the forest area of the Devesa del Saler will remain closed all day. Exceptions apply to residents, authorised persons and public transport; southern beaches will be accessible only with restrictions.
At the same time, the regional administration has prepared a major deployment. According to the Conseller responsible for emergencies, Juan Carlos Valderrama around 15,000 personnel are on standby across the region, supported by 29 aircraft and 40 drones. Priorities are fire prevention, access controls and a rapid emergency response. The Delegada del Gobierno in the Comunitat Valenciana, Pilar Bernabé, described the celestial event as historic for the region; the operational focus, however, would be on safety and fire prevention.
The following times are given for viewing in València: the partial phase begins at around 19:38 (CEST), the solar eclipse reaches its peak at about 20:32, the fully eclipsed Sun phase lasts around one minute, and the pronounced partial phase ends at around 21:24. Times may vary slightly depending on location in the Comunitat Valenciana. The Perseids will also be visible in the night sky.
The authorities are urging residents and visitors to respect closures, follow the instructions of emergency personnel and use only suitable eye protection. Open fires, parking vehicles on dry vegetation and entering closed areas are prohibited. In view of the high temperatures and dry conditions, further temporary restrictions may be imposed locally if the situation worsens or crowds grow.
The closures ordered and pre-emergency level 3 are based on the risk assessment of the competent security and civil protection authorities, as well as specific municipal orders. The aim is to manage visitor flows on the day of the 12 August 2026 solar eclipse and minimise wildfire risk.
Editor: Andreas M. Brucker (Article created with AI assistance).