The alert affects large areas of all three provinces, from the Pyrenees and Pre-Pyrenees to the Ebro Valley and much of the Iberian System. The areas under red alert include the foothills, the Muelas del Ebro, Moncayo and Aranda, the Jalón Depression, Maestrazgo, Jiloca-Gallocanta, Montes Universales, Gúdar, Mijares, Javalambre and the Puertos de Beceite, among others. Only some areas of the Pyrenees remain at orange level.
WIND, THE MAIN FACTOR IN FIRE SPREAD
The forecast conditions for this Monday could favor high-intensity fires across most of Aragon. The regional government identifies wind as the main factor that could contribute to the spread of the flames, together with topography. This is compounded by a “very high” availability of dead vegetation fuel.
The declaration of the red level entails significant restrictions. Lighting fires in open spaces is prohibited, and existing authorizations for burning and other uses of fire are temporarily suspended. Lighting fires is also prohibited in recreational areas, rest areas or camping sites, even in designated locations, as is the use of pyrotechnic materials in forest environments.
RESTRICTIONS IN FOREST AREAS AND WITHIN 400 METERS
The use of equipment or machinery capable of generating sparks, deflagrations or electrical discharges is also prohibited in forests and within a 400-meter strip around them. The red level may also entail the suspension of sporting events and public activities in forest environments when their authorization does not expressly include the conditions required to hold them at this level of risk.
There are, however, certain exceptions for agricultural work. Cereal harvesting and baling are permitted, although when carried out less than 400 meters from a continuous forested or shrub-covered area of more than 100 hectares, they must take place outside the period from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and be supported by resources allowing rapid intervention in the event of a possible fire. Exceptions are also provided for certain agricultural work, the use of smokers in beekeeping outside restricted hours and urgent repairs intended to restore essential services.
