Castile and León activates wildfire alert from June 20 to 23

Castile and León has activated a wildfire alert for June 20 through June 23 after weather forecasts pointed to a high-risk episode of extreme heat, gusty wind, thunderstorms and very low humidity.

The regional government said the alert is a preventive step designed to reduce the chance of ignitions and limit the speed at which any fire could spread while the territory is already in its high-risk wildfire season.

Why the alert was issued

The measure follows forecast conditions of 35 to 40 degrees Celsius, wind gusts of 35 to 55 km/h, thunderstorms with lightning and relative humidity below 15 percent.

According to the coverage, the meteorological information used by the authorities came from AEMET and from the planning and analysis unit of INFOCAL, the regional wildfire response system.

What changes on June 20

The alert takes effect on June 20 and brings a set of restrictions in force through June 23.

Officials are banning fires in the countryside, recreational areas and campsites, including places that are normally authorized for that purpose. Barbecues, pyrotechnics, fireworks and similar devices are also prohibited.

The resolution further restricts machinery use in the forest and within 400 meters of it when that activity could produce fire, sparks or electrical discharge.

Farm operators are being asked to be especially careful during harvesting work and to stop activity if wind exceeds 30 km/h and temperatures rise above 30 degrees.

Operational response

INFOCAL plans to reinforce surveillance posts, water tankers, work crews, helicopter brigades, environmental agents and watchmen.

The regional government is also suspending training for helicopter brigades and aerial resources for the duration of the alert.

Residents are being told to call 112 immediately if they see any sign of a fire.

Seasonal context

The alert comes less than two weeks after Castile and León began its high wildfire danger period on June 12. That campaign runs until October 12.

The warning fits into a broader summer fire-prevention push in the region, where officials are trying to reduce the chance that a short-lived weather episode turns into a major emergency.

What to watch next

Authorities may extend or tighten the alert if the forecast worsens.

The main follow-up questions are whether AEMET issues new warnings over the weekend, whether the Junta adds territory-specific restrictions, and whether any new fires or flare-ups are reported during the June 20-23 window.