The heat wave scorching Bizkaia, with temperatures approaching 40 degrees in much of the territory and even exceeding this value in some inland areas on Monday, has left the region virtually without San Juan bonfires. The principle of "precaution" has prevailed on a night that already strains the Fire Department's services due to the multiplication of alerts and the fear of uncontrolled fires and unbreathable air.
Bilbao was among the last municipalities to wait before canceling the bonfire, ultimately deciding to suspend both the program and the bonfire organized by the Bilboko Konpartsak federation to celebrate the summer solstice in Etxebarria park. The Bilbao City Council recommends "paying attention to the calls" for neighborhood events if intending to attend, as some are maintained while others are not.
In the rest of Bizkaia, few town councils have opted to maintain the bonfires, at least for now, despite the red alert for extreme temperatures. Some, like Orozko, consider that "the risk of forest fires is yellow and there will be no strong gusts of wind".
Among the five most populous municipalities, only Portugalete will celebrate San Juan night with a bonfire. If the situation does not change, around 9:45 PM the effigy installed in the center of the La Florida meadow will be lit, which will be cordoned off for greater public safety. The City Council will suspend the fireworks.
Barakaldo, Getxo, and Santurtzi announced on Monday morning that they were prohibiting 'fires'. "We will act with prudence and avoid any situation that could generate risks for people or our environment," stated the mayor, Amaia del Campo. There will also be no "torches, buckets with fire, grills or barbecues, in addition to the use of pyrotechnic material".
Although initially most town councils preferred to be cautious and wait for the Basque Government to activate the LABI (Euskadi Civil Protection Plan) due to extreme temperatures, cancellations were a constant trickle throughout the day. The first municipality was Iurreta, followed by Sopela, Iurreta again, and Galdames. On the Right Bank, only Erandio and Leioa currently maintain the event. Municipal spokespersons indicated that the "current situation allows for the programmed lighting in Altzaga, Astrabudua, and Erandiogoikoa" to proceed. "The locality is on orange alert, not red. If there is no contrary order, all three will take place," explained municipal sources. The activities will be accompanied by a special security detail and recommendations for citizens to act with caution. Leioa will cancel the event by Hortzmuga Teatro.
On the Left Bank, in addition to Portugalete, Sestao, Trapagaran, and Muskiz are maintaining their events. In Sestao, it will be at 10:30 PM in the space set up behind the cemetery. In Trapagaran, the bonfire will also be lit at 10:30 PM in the Barranco-Larrondo area, and in Muskiz, finally, the traditional torch descent will take place. 4,000 units will illuminate the town's streets from La Estación to the sports center and the Petronor warehouse, where the San Juan celebration will occur.
Sopuerta will organize the traditional event at 10:00 PM in El Castaño. There will be a difference: "the minimum will be done for safety, it will be a very small bonfire, almost testimonial," warned the mayor, Agustín Cuadrado.
In the Duranguesado region, Durango maintains its San Juan bonfires but will make modifications to its programming. As explained by the town's mayor, Mireia Elkoroiribe, "following recommendations, extreme precautions will be taken".
