Europe has continually been scorched by extremely high temperatures this summer season, and the dry conditions have meant large areas have been ravaged by wildfires.
Parts of Türkiye, France, and Greece have already experienced significant damage due to hard-to-tackle blazes, but the latest holiday destinations to suffer are Spain and Portugal.
So, to ensure you have all the latest information before you travel, here’s everything we know about the latest government advice, what you should do if you’re affected, and how these wildfires might impact your trip. Read on.
Where are the wildfires in Europe?
Spain
Firefighters braved the flames last night in a small town within the municipality of Tres Cantos, only 23km north of Madrid. One person died from severe burns while 180 people were forced to evacuate their homes. Blazes were also seen in the province of Avila, as well as Zamora, Zahara de los Atunes, Congosto and Tarifa, near a locally populated beach.
Around 800 other people evacuated from northern towns in the Castile and Leon region as fires burned the nearby national park, Las Medulas, with smoke so thick that firefighting aircrafts could not deploy.
Portugal
Portugal is also suffering from wildfires right now, with blazes recorded in Moimenta de Beira, on the outskirts of the city of Trancoso in the Guarda District. The latter is reportedly being fought by almost 700 firefighters, according to The Portugal News.
Is it safe to travel?
Despite the ongoing fires, there have been no warnings by the UK or US government against travelling to either country, nor have the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office released a statement about it being unsafe to travel to these regions.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so if you’re planning to visit one of these countries, make sure to keep checking the local weather and travel advisories for your destination, and ensure you stay safe if high temperatures are forecast.
What is the UK Foreign Office saying?
While no advice specific to these current wildfires has been published, the travel advice pages for Spain and Portugal each have sections outlining what to do if you’re affected by such an event.
For travellers visiting Spain, it reads: ‘Be aware of your environment when visiting or driving through woodland areas. For information on wildfire risk visit the Spanish Meteorological Office (AEMET). Causing a wildfire is a criminal offence in Spain, even if unintentional. Make sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished, do not light barbecues and do not leave empty bottles behind. You can be heavily fined for not following the rules against lighting outdoor barbecues in forest areas. Make sure you know the rules if considering a barbeque.
For information on what to do in the event of a wildfire, visit Civil Protection (website in Spanish).’
As for Portugal, the page says: ‘There is an increased risk of wildfires from April to October when the weather is hot and dry. Wildfires can start anywhere in Portugal. Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The Portuguese authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety reasons. You should: check the fire risk index for your location (in Portuguese); familiarise yourself with local safety and emergency procedures; follow the advice of the Portuguese authorities; call the emergency services on 112 if you see a fire.
Starting a fire, even if it is by accident, is illegal and you could get a fine or a prison sentence. For information about active wildfires and forecasts, visit the Portuguese Met Office website for information on Portugal and Madeira.’
Can I get a refund if I cancel my trip?
Since no official warnings have been placed by the UK, US, Spanish or Portugese governments, refunds and compensation due to cancellation will depend on your travel insurance and provider.
According to travel experts, your safest bet is to check your travel insurance, though ‘natural disasters’ are not typically included in travel insurance policies.
It’s also worth noting that while airlines aren’t obliged to compensate travellers in ‘extraordinary circumstances’ like natural disasters such as wildfires, they are obliged to to offer food, drink and accommodation if your flight is delayed, depending on the length of delay.
Extreme weather and heatwaves in Europe
These wildfires are the result of continuous heatwaves resulting in temperatures over 40C. Temperatures in Spain and Portugal are predicted to rise to 44C up until Wednesday, and much of Europe has been suffering extreme heat and wildfires as a result.
‘Climate change is the main driver of heat waves and the evidence for that is overwhelming,’ said Raphaelle Haywood, a senior lecturer and assistant director of the Global Systems Institute (GSI) at the University of Exeter. ‘There is no doubt about that. As long as were going to keep burning fossil fuels, we are going to see an increase in temperatures and that’s going to make heatwaves more likely and more intense.’
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