Spain bans barbecues and closes parks ahead of solar eclipse as drought drives wildfire risk

Spain has banned barbecues, fireworks, and roadside parking near dry vegetation ahead of the August 12 total solar eclipse, with Valencia closing its natural parks entirely. After Spain's driest, joint-hottest July on record, Environment Minister Sara Aagesen warned that "the smallest spark could lead to devastating forest fires." Police estimate 1.5 million extra car journeys on eclipse day, raising fears rural traffic could block emergency access.