People flocking to Spain to view solar eclipse could spark more ‘devastating’ wildfires
Spanish authorities are concerned that the influx of tourists arriving to view a total solar eclipse will increase the risk of wildfires. Dry vegetation and high traffic volumes could lead to accidental fires and hinder emergency response efforts.
Why it matters
Large-scale public events in climate-vulnerable regions require significant logistical planning to prevent environmental disasters and ensure public safety.
Nasa's station in Robledo de Chavela, Madrid, Spain, on 29 July. Nasa has installed four high-powered telescopes in north-west Spain where it will live stream the eclipse to more than 10 million viewers. Nasa's station in Robledo de Chavela, Madrid, Spain, on 29 July. Nasa has installed four high-powered telescopes in north-west Spain where it will live stream the eclipse to more than 10 million viewers. Solar eclipses People flocking to Spain to view solar eclipse could spark more ‘devastating’ wildfires Northern Spain will be one of the best places in world to view phenomenon with 460,000 extra visitors expected
Prefer the Guardian on Google Authorities in Spain have warned of an increased risk of fires when hundreds of thousands of people head to the hills and beaches to get a better view of Wednesday’s total solar eclipse .
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in