The Generalitat has agreed the closure of all natural parks in the Valencian Community on August 12th with the aim of maximizing the availability of essential and firefighting services in the face of the current weather situation.
The decision is made in a context aggravated by the risk of dry thunderstorms and the possibility of new wildfiresThis also coincides with the day of the eclipse and the expected concentration of people in different parts of the territory to observe the phenomenon.
In the Marina Alta region, the measure affects the Montgó Natural Park, between Dénia y Xàbia, to the Penyal d'Ifac Natural Park, in Calp, and to the Marjal de Pego-Oliva.
The Generalitat extends the initially planned closure to Alicante.
The Minister of Emergencies and Interior, Juan Carlos ValderramaThe decision was announced yesterday. The Consell had already established this last week. Level 3, corresponding to the maximum risk, of the Special Plan against the Risk of Forest Fires for the entire territory of the Valencian Community on August 12th.
With this new decision, the Valencian Executive extends to all natural parks in the province of Alicante the closure that had already been agreed for that day in all such spaces in the provinces of Castellón and Valencia.
In Alicante, the closure of the Marjal de Pego-Oliva, Mariola and Carrascal de la Font RojaNow, the restriction is extended to all natural parks in the province.
Access is prohibited on foot, by bicycle or by vehicle
The restrictions mean that during August 12 Driving on the tracks and forest paths of the natural parks of the Valencian Community will be prohibitedRegardless of whether access is by vehicle, bicycle, or on foot, they will also remain The interpretation centers are closed to the public. of these protected areas.
The ban, however, includes certain exceptions. Vehicles may pass through when necessary for management, supply, maintenance, or surveillance activities, as well as to access residences, farms, or service facilities located within the natural parks.
Level 3 also restricts transit through forest lands
The closure of natural parks is not the only restriction that will be in place during the eclipse. The declaration of the maximum level of fire risk also entails the activation of [specific measures] on August 12th. a series of mandatory restrictions on forest land throughout the Valencian Community.
Among them is the prohibition of the transit of people along paths and cross-country routes, a measure intended to reduce risks and avoid situations that could hinder the intervention of emergency services in case of fire.
Controls in other protected landscapes and access by prior reservation
The Catalan government has also issued a recommendation to municipalities with protected landscapes. The request is that Establish controls on the day of the eclipse and only allow access to these areas to those with a prior reservation. linked to an activity or accommodation.
The aim of this measure is to facilitate the location of people who are in these spaces in the event of any emergency that may occur during the day.
Emergency services urge people not to visit the areas affected by the fires
Valderrama has also made a specific appeal to the population to Avoid traveling through forested areas During the day. The regional head of Emergency Services emphasized the need to do not visit the burned areas affected by this summer's fires, given the possibility of a possible resurgence.
The combination of weather conditions, the risk of dry thunderstorms and the possibility of new fires leads the Generalitat to demand maximum caution and to concentrate available resources on prevention and response efforts in the event of possible emergencies.
The recommendation: observe the eclipse close to home
Given the potential travel disruptions caused by the astronomical phenomenon, the regional minister has recommended Observe the eclipse preferably from locations close to your place of residence and go to the official viewing points set up to follow it. As he explained, these locations are the places where a comprehensive support system has been prepared to ensure safe viewing.
The Generalitat also advises prioritize urban areas and use an official observation point whenever one is nearby.
Approved glasses and warnings about mobile phones, cameras and binoculars
The recommendations are not limited to the fire prevention Travel restrictions have already been announced. Emergency services also remind everyone of the necessary precautions to protect their eyesight while observing the phenomenon. To view the eclipse, it is... It is essential to use approved safety glasses that comply with ISO 12312-2 and to check that they are in good condition.
The Catalan government warns that Sunglasses, X-rays, smoked glass, mobile phones, binoculars, and cameras without filters do not offer adequate eye protection..
Plan your movements and keep emergency routes clear
For those who, despite the recommendations, need to travel, it is advised Plan your route in advance, leave with enough time, and have sufficient water and fuel in your vehicle.It will also be necessary to respect the established entry and exit routes for the places enabled to view the eclipse and to park exclusively in the areas provided for this purpose.
One of the main requests from Emergency Services is Keep corridors and evacuation routes completely clearShoulders, roads, and access points intended for emergency services must also not be blocked.
Official locations will have limited capacity
The Generalitat requests access to the official observation points only through the authorized access points. Unauthorized roads, trails or other access routes should not be used. to try to reach these spaces.
Also, remember that The capacity of the observation points is limitedTherefore, those who attend must respect this circumstance and follow at all times the instructions provided by the security and emergency services.
