For Saturday 5 September 2026, the state meteorological agency AEMET and Spain’s Protección Civil classify much of Spain as being at very high to extreme risk of fire. The assessment is based on the Índice de Peligro de Incendios Forestales (IPIF), which combines meteorological data with vegetation and soil conditions. Current risk maps show large areas of the Iberian Peninsula and parts of the Balearic Islands at “muy alto” and “extremo” levels.
The classification is based on persistently high temperatures, very low humidity and locally strengthening north-easterly to south-easterly winds. In these conditions, sparks can quickly develop into wildfires. AEMET stresses that IPIF levels vary greatly by region: while coastal areas may temporarily have somewhat more favourable indicators, conditions are worsening in the dry interior and mountainous areas.
Several autonomous communities have confirmed preventive measures. In Castilla y León and Extremadura temporary bans are in force on open fires and work that could generate sparks in or near woodland; the use of some barbecue and camping sites is restricted. The Balearic Islands report increased operational readiness. In the Canary Islands, heightened vigilance has been ordered for Gran Canaria and Tenerife because a warm, humid weather event could increase the risk of rapidly developing fires whose behaviour is difficult to predict.
The protection authorities are urging residents, tourism businesses and local authorities to comply strictly with all local requirements. These include: no open fires outdoors; no agricultural or forestry work that could create sparks; no smoking in the countryside; and no parking vehicles on dry vegetation. In the event of smoke or flames, call emergency number 112 immediately. Access routes for emergency services must be kept clear; in fire-prone settlements, water points and hand-held extinguishers should be available.
So far, no nationwide evacuation orders have been issued for 5 September. Individual municipalities and forestry authorities may nevertheless impose local closures and further restrictions as the day progresses. Predictions about possible damage or evacuations are speculative at this stage and are a matter for the competent authorities.
In the medium term, specialist agencies point to the importance of consistent vegetation management, robust water logistics and sufficient ground- and air-based firefighting resources. The new IPIF is intended to help direct resources each day to where the risk is highest and so shorten response times in an emergency.
Editor: Andreas M. Brucker (Article created with AI assistance).