The first heatwave hits Granada: alert for forest fires and high temperatures

The first heatwave of the summer has hit the province of Granada and much of Andalusia with force, bringing not only high temperatures harmful to health, but also a significant increase in the risk of forest fires. In response to this situation, the Forest Fire Prevention and Extinguishing Service of Andalusia, the Infoca Plan, has issued a warning of extreme risk in the province due to the rise in temperatures. Over the next few days, maximum temperatures of up to 42 degrees are expected in various areas of Granada, leading to the activation of three days of red alert for fire risk in several Andalusian provinces, including Granada. Infoca has urged the population to take extreme precautions and has reminded of the strict prohibition of lighting fires near forested areas to prevent possible tragedies. In Granada, the regions of Montes Orientales, the north of Poniente, Guadix, El Marquesado, Baza, and Huéscar are on red alert. Other areas of the province are on orange and yellow alert. Although no major forest fires have been reported this summer so far, Infoca calls on citizens to be aware to avoid possible disasters in the coming weeks. In addition to the risks of fires, the high temperatures have led to orange and yellow alerts being activated in various areas of Granada. Health professionals recommend caution during the heatwave, advising sun protection, constant hydration, and avoiding sun exposure during the peak hours to prevent heat stroke and fainting. Meteorological forecasts indicate that the heat will persist in the coming days, with temperatures barely dropping below 40ºC, leading to tropical nights. Faced with this situation, the residents of Granada will have to rely on swimming pools and air conditioning to cope with this heatwave that seems to have settled in the province. The Granada City Council has implemented special measures to protect outdoor workers, such as adjusting schedules, prioritizing vehicles with air conditioning, and providing cold water to employees. These actions aim to prevent heat stroke and exhaustion in municipal workers. Furthermore, the City Council has reminded citizens of the importance of taking precautions during this heatwave, highlighting the municipal pool in the Northern District as an ideal place to cool off and the circuit of walkable public fountains as an option to relieve the heat. These fountains will be operational with a special schedule during mornings and afternoons so that both adults and children can cool off in the midst of high temperatures. In conclusion, Granada is on alert due to the heatwave and the extreme risk of forest fires, which requires the collaboration of everyone to prevent dangerous situations. Citizen awareness, protective measures, and responsible use of public resources will be key to coping with this summer period and avoiding complications arising from high temperatures.