Fire alert in Castilla y León from September 3 to 6

The General Directorate for the Prevention and Extinction of Forest Fires of the Regional Ministry of Environment and Energy has declared a state of alert due to meteorological danger of forest fires throughout the Community of Castilla y León for September 3, 4, 5, and 6, 2026. The measure, adopted by resolution on September 1, 2026, is published in the Official Gazette of Castilla y León number 170, dated September 2, 2026, and comes into effect from 0:00 hours on the 3rd until 23:59 hours on the 6th.

The resolution, signed by the general director Ángel Manuel Sánchez Martín, responds to an adverse meteorological episode that raises the probability of ignition and the capacity for fire propagation to high levels. The document is based on the INFOCAL Plan and Order FYM/510/2013, of June 25, in its current wording provided by Decree-law 2/2023, of April 13, which regulate the use of fire and preventive measures against forest fires.

Adverse meteorological conditions

Predictions point to the presence of an anticyclonic ridge over the peninsula and the entry, starting Thursday the 3rd, of a continental tropical air mass of North African origin. This situation will cause an episode of high temperatures and low humidity throughout the community:

Temperatures between 35 and 37 ºC.
Minimum relative humidity below 15% in much of the territory.
Wind gusts exceeding 30-40 km/h from Thursday the 3rd to Sunday the 6th, with values that could exceed 50 km/h on Saturday the 5th.
Presence of a DANA/trough west of the peninsula that will favor storms on Friday the 4th and, especially, Saturday the 5th.

The concurrence of these factors creates an especially unfavorable scenario for the start and propagation of forest fires, according to the indices managed by AEMET and the Forest Fire Prevention and Extinction Operation of Castilla y León.

Mandatory preventive measures

During the alert period, extraordinary mandatory measures are applied which are added to the general regulations in force:

Prohibition of lighting fires in the mountains in all types of open spaces, recreational areas, and campsites, even in designated areas.
Prohibition of the use of barbecues in open spaces, including authorized ones.
Suspension of all previously granted authorizations for the use of fire.
Prohibition of introducing and using pyrotechnic material, and suspension of authorizations for the launching of rockets or devices containing fire.
Prohibition of the use of machinery in the mountains and in the 400-meter strip surrounding them whose operation generates fire, deflagration, sparks, or electrical discharges (blowtorches, soldering irons, grinders, etc.).

Emergency actions and those of general interest for the urgent repair of public infrastructure, electricity, natural gas, or telecommunications are exempt from this latter prohibition, provided they have been communicated to the Territorial Environmental Services and are carried out in accordance with their measures.

Validity and scope

The alert affects the entire population and outdoor activities during the September long weekend, a period of high influx to natural spaces. The resolution takes effect from 0:00 hours on September 3 until 23:59 hours on September 6, 2026, and is published on the website of the Junta de Castilla y León and in the Official Gazette of Castilla y León.

The declaration of alert represents a reinforcement of prevention at a time of maximum risk exposure, and obliges citizens, companies, and city councils to exercise extreme caution in the mountains and surrounding areas. Non-compliance with the measures may lead to liability in the event that a fire originates.

Source: Official Gazette of Castilla y León, no. 170, September 2, 2026, section I.D Other Provisions, pp. 27-29 (official reference: BOCYL-D-02092026-170-7).