Extremadura declares the low-danger period: prohibitions an…

The Regional Government of Extremadura has declared the low forest fire danger period, in effect from October 16, 2026, until the day before the high or, where applicable, medium danger period comes into force. The decision is detailed in the Order of October 9, 2026, published in the Official Gazette of Extremadura (DOE) number 199, dated October 15, 2026, with official reference 2026050113. The regulation develops the rules for uses and activities, general measures, and self-protection measures applicable to the entire territory of Extremadura.

Regulatory Framework and Scope

The order emanates from the Vice Presidency and Ministry of Presidency, Coordination of Government Action, Interior and Emergencies and is signed by its head, Abel Bautista Morán, along with the Minister of Industry, Energy, Science and Territory, Mercedes Morán Álvarez, and the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Environment, Juan José García García.

It is based on Law 5/2004, of June 24, on the Prevention and Fight against Forest Fires in Extremadura, Decree 132/2022, of October 26, which approves the INFOEX Plan, and Decree 260/2014, of December 2 (PREIFEX Plan). The scope of application extends to the entire territory of the autonomous community, using the SIGPAC cartographic base and the IDEEX and INFOEX viewers.

Prohibitions During the Low Danger Period

On rural land and in open spaces located within the Forest Influence Zone—a 400-meter strip surrounding forest lands—the following are prohibited:

The burning of plant waste generated in the agricultural environment outside of excluded or authorized cases.
The burning of stubble.
The launching of pyrotechnic material, balloons, or analogous devices without authorization from the Local Entity.
Throwing or abandoning burning objects or material susceptible to starting a fire.
Carrying out uses subject to administrative intervention without processing the procedure or without observing preventive conditions.

Furthermore, when the AEMET-IPIF Danger Index is very high or extreme, lighting fires is prohibited in all types of open spaces, in rest areas of the road network, and in recreational and camping areas, as well as the use of machinery in forests and within a 400-meter strip around them.

Authorizations and Responsible Declarations

Prescribed burns of standing vegetation, traditional charcoal kilns and charcoal burners, and fixed areas for barbecues and bonfires in public-use recreational areas are subject to authorization from the General Directorate for the Prevention and Extinction of Forest Fires. The maximum period for resolution is one month, and administrative silence shall be considered a rejection.

Through a responsible declaration, processed via INFOEX Online Procedures, the following may be carried out:

Piconeras on rustic land.
Burning of plant waste on exempt holdings and in authorized cases.
Popular events with bonfires, barbecues, or gas equipment, such as religious pilgrimages (romerías).
Use of machinery —metal tracks, brushcutters, cutting or welding equipment, harvesters, and balers, among others— when the index is very high or extreme.

Small and micro-agricultural holdings are exempt from the general burning prohibition. Burning is authorized for phytosanitary reasons, for forest fire prevention, and for the remains of rice crops.

General and self-protection measures

Owners of forest lands not subject to preventive planning must create firebreaks of at least 3 meters on boundaries and in sections adjacent to urban centers and public roads. For homes and buildings, a 30-meter protection zone is required, with a 3-meter strip completely cleared of woody or flammable vegetation.

Other established obligations:

Eco-parks, recycling centers, and landfills: 20-meter protection zone.
Gas stations and fuel depots: 30-meter zone.
Repeaters and telecommunications installations: 10-meter zone.
Energy production plants: 8-meter perimeter firebreak line and interior clearing with a maximum height of 20 centimeters.

Surveillance and responsibilities

Compliance with the order will be subject to surveillance and inspection by the Natural Environment Agents Corps and by personnel assigned to the competent body for forest fires. Non-compliance determines the immediate cessation of the activity when there is an appreciable risk of causing fires, and liability and damage repair are governed by Title VIII of Law 5/2004.

The regulation conditions the activity of rural owners, farmers, forestry companies, and organizations holding events on forest land over the coming months, during a period in which the INFOEX Plan device adapts its deployment to less severe meteorological conditions.

Source: Official Gazette of Extremadura (DOE), number 199, of October 15, 2026, section I General Provisions (official reference: 2026050113).