Experts warn: excessive vegetation and heat increase fire risk

2026-05-30

Summer has arrived in Spain with a serious warning from environmental experts. After a winter of heavy rains, the country's mountains present a worrying situation. Specialists describe the forests as a "powder keg" due to the large amount of accumulated vegetation and the arrival of the first heatwaves.

Although rain is usually positive for the countryside, this year it has generated excessive growth of plants and shrubs. After several years of drought, these last two seasons of precipitation have filled the mountains with vegetation. However, with the high temperatures, all that grass dries out quickly and becomes a very dangerous fuel for fire.

The heatwaves affecting the peninsula further complicate the current scenario. Experts point out that the ecosystem is still suffering the consequences of a previous long period of drought. This combination of factors considerably increases the risk that any small spark could turn into a forest fire that is difficult to control.

A recent example of this danger occurred near Doñana National Park, in Sanlúcar de Barrameda. During last Sunday night, a fire in the local pine forests caused great alarm among residents and authorities. Fortunately, emergency services were able to act in time, but the incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of the forests this year.

Given this situation, authorities insist on the importance of prevention and cleaning the mountains. It is essential to avoid risky activities in forest areas during days of intense heat. Constant vigilance and citizen responsibility will be key to protecting Spanish nature during the coming summer months.