Southern region of Spain, Andalusia, issues a warning for excessively high temperatures

Headline: Seville and Andalusia Brace for Heatwave and Wildfire Risks as Spain Enacts Multi-Level Strategies

In the face of a severe heatwave, the city of Seville and the region of Andalusia in Spain are taking proactive measures to ensure public safety and combat potential wildfire risks. The current heatwave, expected to reach temperatures of up to 44°C in Seville on August 12, has prompted the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) to issue a red alert for high temperatures.

To address the situation, the Spanish government has intensified coordinated prevention and response efforts. Key measures include declaring emergency zones, mobilizing firefighting efforts, implementing state aid and support plans, strengthening national coordination, monitoring and public alerts, and promoting preventive measures on the ground.

Declaring Emergency Zones

The Spanish government plans to designate fire-affected areas under Civil Protection emergency status. This move will enable immediate financial and logistical support for containment and recovery efforts.

Mobilizing Firefighting Efforts

Thousands of firefighters have been deployed across Spain, prioritizing highly affected regions such as Andalusia. Weather improvements, where available, will support these efforts.

Implementing State Aid and Support Plans

Financial assistance for evacuated residents and reconstruction funds for those who lost homes are critical to community resilience and recovery.

Strengthening National Coordination

The government urges institutional loyalty and a shared national pact to tackle the climate crisis and increasing wildfire severity, proposing upcoming legislation involving scientific and labor stakeholders.

Monitoring and Public Alerts

Continuous observation of fire risks through satellite data and meteorological services like AEMET is essential to provide timely warnings and protect vulnerable populations from heat and smoke-related health hazards.

Promoting Preventive Measures

Preventive measures such as clearing dry vegetation, restricting access to high-risk natural areas during peak danger, and educating the public about fire safety are crucial to wildfire risk mitigation strategies.

Local Measures in Seville

In response to the heatwave and potential fire risks, Seville council has set up climate shelters, hydration stations, and opened additional civic centres as shelters. Climate shelters are also being set up for the homeless. The 112 emergency service is urging residents to stay hydrated, avoid midday heat, and take special care of the elderly, chronically ill, and young children.

To further mitigate the impact of the heatwave, Seville council is providing free access to public spaces such as sports centres for people to rest and refresh themselves.

Wildfire Risks Across Andalusia

Other Andalusian provinces, including Huelva, Jaén, Cádiz, and Granada, are under orange alert for extreme temperatures, with temperatures expected to top 40°C throughout inland Andalusia. The high winds and extreme temperatures have made Cádiz Province a tinderbox, easily ignitable. The fires in Cádiz Province have resulted in the evacuation of hundreds.

Outdoors, wearing hats, approved sunglasses, and light-coloured clothing, and carrying water is crucial in the current conditions.

Dry Storms and Wildfires

Dry storms, characterized by lightning strikes with little to no rain, are said to have been behind wildfires in León Province and Tres Cantos, a satellite town of Madrid. These events pose a significant risk across Spain due to their potential to cause wildfires.

Staying Safe

The 112 emergency hotline is available 24/7, free, and in multiple languages for emergencies. Residents are advised to drink water every two hours, eat light meals, and keep homes cool during peak heat. Outdoor activities should be scheduled early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the hottest part of the day.

These multi-level strategies, coupled with local measures, aim to control fires during extreme heat conditions like the current heatwave affecting Andalusia. As Spain grapples with its worst wildfire season in three decades, with nearly 400,000 hectares burned in 2025, the importance of these measures cannot be overstated.

Southern region of Spain, Andalusia, issues a warning for excessively high temperatures