Valencia has raised its wildfire alert to the highest level, imposing sweeping restrictions across the region as temperatures are forecast to top 40°C in the coming days. The Generalitat Valenciana has activated level 3 of its Special Plan for Forest Fire Risk (PEIF) from Wednesday through Friday, citing an extreme danger period. Formalized by the regional Emergency and Interior Department, the decision closes all natural parks in the area to the public and bans a broad range of outdoor activities.
Under the new measures, access to forest trails and off-path areas is strictly prohibited. Construction and maintenance work in or near forested zones has been suspended, while recreational fires, including barbecues and bonfires, are banned within 500 meters of woodland. Sporting events crossing forest terrain are cancelled, even if previously authorized, and permits for organized outdoor sports in these areas are now void. Vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians are also barred from protected parks such as Sierra d’Espadà, Sierra Calderona, Chera-Sot de Chera and others named by the authorities.
The restrictions also affect recreational areas, campsites and shelters managed by the Generalitat. Activities outside the immediate premises of these facilities are prohibited, and group events are suspended. Fernando Lasheras, Secretary for Emergencies and Interior, urged residents to act responsibly and reminded them that all forms of fire are strictly forbidden in and around forested land during the alert.
Authorities are paying particular attention to animal welfare during traditional “bous al carrer” festivities. The regional government recommends avoiding these events between 12:00 and 19:00, limiting each bull’s exposure to ten minutes, and ensuring animals have proper shade, water and rest in holding pens. Organizers must monitor conditions closely under the oversight of event directors, livestock handlers and veterinarians.
In Valencia city, the local council has suspended all outdoor sports organized by the Municipal Sports Federation and closed the Devesa area until Friday. The city has also activated fire prevention systems in El Saler and extended municipal pool hours to 21:00 to help residents cope with the heat. Climate shelters are open, while social services have issued red alert warnings to vulnerable groups, including seniors and people receiving home care. Outdoor markets, the Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart, and municipal cemeteries are closed. Gulliver Park will shut at 13:00, and families are advised to avoid playgrounds because equipment may overheat.
Municipal cleaning crews will stop street work at midday. Only waste collection vehicles will operate in the afternoon. Roadworks on Colón, Pérez Galdós and Giorgeta are paused. The city council urges residents to avoid unnecessary travel, stay hydrated, use public water fountains, and wear light clothing and sun protection. It advises extra care for the elderly, children and people with chronic illnesses, and strictly forbids leaving people or animals in parked vehicles.
Valencia’s emergency response follows a pattern seen elsewhere in Spain, where extreme heat has prompted authorities to take unprecedented steps. Gran Canaria recently faced a similar red alert, with temperatures reaching 44.3°C. Public pools became impressive refuges for residents, as detailed in this report on the Gran Canaria heatwave. Such measures reflect escalating climate risks across the country.
Spain’s wildfire prevention protocols are among Europe’s strictest, especially during peak summer months. The PEIF system lets regional governments rapidly escalate restrictions based on real-time weather data and fire risk assessments. In recent years, prolonged drought, high temperatures and strong winds have contributed to several devastating wildfires, prompting authorities to prioritize early intervention and public safety. Residents are reminded that complying with these emergency measures is a legal obligation and a critical step in protecting people and natural heritage during extreme weather.
