The Barcelona Fire Service is urging people to be extra careful in risk areas in the city to prevent emergency situations caused by heatwaves, the risk of forest fires and activity at the beaches. There has been an increase in emergencies in the water compared to previous years.
Maritime operation and sea rescue
The Barcelona Fire Service has had to take action on 26 occasions so far this summer, in three spheres: rescue tasks at groynes along the city’s beaches, cooperation with Maritime Rescue services and collaboration with Port de Barcelona.
Risk of forest fires
So far there have been no major fires in wooded areas in the city (Montjuïc and the Collserola mountain range), except for a few minor incidents caused by fireworks near brush areas on midsummer’s night. Even so, the current conditions (high temperatures, low humidity etc.) mean there is still a high risk of forest fires.
In a move to avoid forest fires, lighting fires within 500 metres of woodlands is prohibited until 15 October. This includes forestry work, burning waste and having barbecues. The Vallvidrera fire station has been open since the end of May and opens every summer to reduce the response time in the case of forest fires.
The Barcelona Fire Service have been working with the Catalan Fire Service this summer, covering parts of the metropolitan area left unattended due to emergency units being mobilised to fight various forest fires around Catalonia.
Heatwave warning
The successive heatwaves this summer pose a greater health risk for those who are most vulnerable: the elderly, babies and toddlers, people with chronic illnesses and those who work or pursue sport outdoors.
People are recommended to drink liquids often, avoid the time of day when direct sunlight is strongest (12 noon to 4 pm), wear light clothing, lower blinds in the day and open windows at night. A network of climate shelters has been established in the city, with nearly 200 places where people can find more comfortable temperatures.