Rare total solar eclipse to darken Spain as wildfire risk heightens with extreme heat

Millions of people in Spain are preparing to watch a rare total solar eclipse on Wednesday as authorities warn that extreme heat and dry conditions could increase the risk of wildfires.

Northern and central Spain will offer some of mainland Europe’s best views as the moon passes between the Earth and sun around sunset.

Totality, when the moon completely blocks the sun, will last about a minute in parts of Spain.

The event is expected to attract at least 500,000 additional visitors, with Spain’s Interior Ministry establishing 350 official viewing sites, while access to another 123 locations has been restricted because of environmental conditions or evacuation concerns.

More than 33,500 law enforcement officers will be deployed as temperatures exceed 35C in many areas.

“High temperatures, the accumulated dryness of vegetation, and the intense pressure on natural areas due to projected travel necessitate extreme preventive measures,” Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said.

Authorities are urging visitors to avoid lighting fires, littering or parking on dry vegetation.

Officials have also stressed the importance of proper eye protection.

“To look at the sun, you must always use proper protection, and the most suitable protection is eclipse glasses,” Madrid Planetarium director Telmo Fernandez Castro said.