Holidaymakers visiting Spain have been urged to do four things amid an “extreme” danger warning. The advice comes as the country continues to be at risk of wildfires as a result of record-breaking temperatures.

In an update posted to social media platform X, the Protección Civil – which deals with disaster events, explained that the fire danger in the Iberian Peninsula continues to be “extreme” or “very high”.

“The fire danger #IIFF continues to be EXTREME or VERY HIGH in the peninsula,” it said. It  urged people in Spain to follow its recommendations.

These are do not make fire, do not throw cigarette butts, follow the authorities’ instructions, and inform 112 if you see smoke.

This comes as Spain endured a record-breaking heatwave in June this year. The hottest temperature recorded was 46C (114.8F) in El Granado (Huelva province) on June 29.

Temperatures exceeded 40C (104F) in several other regions in late June. An even more intense and longer heatwave hit in August, with Spain experiencing its most intense heatwave on record from August 3 to 18.

During this time temperatures rose 4.6C above what is normally expected. On the Protección Civil website, it documents how Spain has experienced three serious waves of large forest fires in the last two months. 

Amid the second wave of fires in July one person was reported to have died, while six other were injured. “The third and most destructive wave of wildfires began on August 8 with the reporting of forest fires in San Bartolomé de Pinares (Ávila) and Brazatortas (Ciudad Real). Since then, new emergencies have emerged in León, Navarra, Ourense, and Zamora,” the Protección Civil said.

It added: “On August 12, the CENEM (National Center for the Environment) received notification of eleven more fires of the highest severity, and Asturias and Huelva joined the list of affected provinces.

“Since then, major fires have continued, primarily affecting the regions of Asturias, Castile and León, Galicia, and Extremadura.”

As of August 26, 20 of these were still active. Its advise for high temperatures include:

• Limit sun exposure
• Keep in a well-ventilated place
• Eat light, regular meals rich in water and minerals, such as fruits and vegetables.
• Drink water or liquids frequently
• Wear light-coloured clothing, covering as much skin and head as possible
• Avoid prolonged physical exercise during the central hours of the day

The website said: “Take an interest in children, the elderly, the sick, and those who live alone or in isolation.”