Catalonia faces an extreme risk of wildfires in 131 municipalities.

The Government of Catalonia has issued an alert regarding an extreme fire risk that will affect 131 municipalities in 15 counties starting this Tuesday. This declaration, made by the Generalitat in an official statement, highlights the growing concern over the severe weather conditions impacting the region, characterized by high temperatures and extremely low humidity. The situation has led to the elevation of the Alfa Plan to level 4 in the most affected areas, which entails significant restriction measures and increased mobilization of resources to prevent incidents. The activation of level 4 of the Alfa Plan means that access to five natural spaces in Catalonia will be restricted. These spaces include some of the region's most iconic areas, such as the Montsant mountain range and the Tivissa - Vandellòs mountains. This decision aims to minimize the risk of fires and protect vulnerable individuals who may find themselves in these areas. It is the first time access to the Ribera Salada has been restricted under these circumstances, reflecting the seriousness of the current situation. In addition to access restrictions, it has been decided to increase the number of personnel in the operational bodies. Rural Agents will focus exclusively on preventing forest fires, and aerial surveillance in the highest-risk areas will be reinforced. This strategy is essential to ensure a rapid and efficient response in the event of fire outbreaks. The 131 municipalities identified as being at extreme risk belong to various counties, including l'Alt Urgell, Anoia, Baix Camp, and many others. In total, level 3 of the Alfa Plan has been declared in another 212 municipalities across 25 counties due to the very high risk of forest fires. This alert scale involves the suspension of all activities that pose a fire risk, such as lighting fires in open spaces or using pyrotechnic materials. Thus, the measures aim to protect not only forest areas but also adjacent zones within a 500-meter radius. The situation has become especially critical due to the heatwave, which, according to the Catalan Meteorological Service, is expected to last at least until July 31. The high temperatures have made vegetation more susceptible to burning, significantly increasing the risk of forest fires in this context. Therefore, authorities have called on citizens to take extra precautions and avoid risky activities, such as visiting forested areas during peak sunlight hours. It is important to remember that the responsibility for preventing forest fires does not rest solely with the authorities but also with each citizen. The collaboration of everyone is essential to minimize the impact of this threat. As temperatures continue to rise, it is vital to adopt responsible behaviors regarding nature to protect both the environment and the safety of communities. The Generalitat Firefighters have indicated that they are prepared to mobilize additional personnel in case of an emergency. This preventive mobilization is a prudent measure that reinforces the commitment of the authorities to ensure public safety during this heatwave and the consequent fire risk. As the situation develops, citizens must pay attention to the recommendations of the authorities and follow civil protection instructions. Prevention is key at this time, and raising awareness about the responsible use of natural spaces can make the difference between a peaceful summer and a season of devastating fires. The extreme danger situation in Catalonia is a reminder of the fragility of our ecosystems in the face of climate change and extreme weather conditions. The importance of caring for and preserving our natural environment has never been more evident, and every action counts in the fight against the risk of forest fires. Maintaining a commitment to nature is essential to ensure a safe and sustainable future.