A large number of visitors have flocked to Spain to witness the solar eclipse happening on Wednesday. However, the event is taking place during a period of high temperatures and increased wildfire risks in Spain, prompting concerns for authorities to prevent any potential fire damages resulting from the surge in astrotourism.
Virginia Barcones, the secretary general for civil protection and emergencies at Spain’s Interior Ministry, expressed the need to be cautious due to the ongoing severe forest fires in Spain this summer. The country has already seen about 400 fires burning over 603,000 acres of land so far this year, as reported by the European Forest Fire Information System.
To mitigate the risk of new fires during the eclipse, authorities are deploying 35,000 officers to monitor large outdoor gatherings and swiftly address any fire incidents, according to Barcones.
Spain is among the prime locations for observing the solar eclipse, with the path of totality stretching across various countries, including northern Russia, eastern Greenland, and western Iceland, before ending at the Balearic Islands. Approximately 15 million people reside in the path, predominantly in Spain.
Only those within the path of totality will experience the sun fully obscured by the moon. In Canada, a partial eclipse will be visible, especially in the eastern regions of Nunavut and Newfoundland. Authorities emphasize the importance of using proper eclipse glasses for eye protection.
This solar eclipse marks the first time in 120 years that mainland Spain will witness a complete solar eclipse, fueling a surge in travel interest.
Prior to the eclipse, Spanish authorities announced special measures to handle the anticipated large crowds, resulting in a surge in searches for accommodations along the path of totality. Valencia, Spain, saw a substantial 245% increase in searches compared to the previous year, according to Expedia Group.
Regional governments have designated 660 official viewing sites to accommodate the expected influx of over 440,000 individuals. Authorities
