Spain restricts outdoor activity before solar eclipse as drought elevates wildfire danger

Spain banned barbecues, fireworks, and roadside parking near dry brush before the August 12 total solar eclipse, with Valencia shutting its natural parks. 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 project 1.5 million extra car trips on eclipse day, risking blocked emergency access to rural areas.