The Basque Government has declared a red alert in the interior of Bizkaia due to extreme heat, and an orange alert in the coastal area. Additionally, there is a yellow warning for forest fire risk throughout Euskadi. Following recommendations from the technical monitoring table of the Euskadi Civil Protection Plan (LABI), planned bonfires in several municipalities, especially those near forest areas, have been canceled.
In Bilbao, the Bilboko Konpartsak federation has suspended the bonfire and fire night at Etxebarria Park, the city's main event. Organizers of the Santutxu and Matiko bonfires have followed suit, joined by those from Zorroza, La Ribera de Deusto, and Otxarkoaga. The City Council has revoked two authorizations in Masustegi and Deusto, while approving five others in San Ignacio, Irala, La Peña, Iturrigorri-Peñascal, and Ciudad Jardín. Bilbao La Vieja will host a festival without a bonfire, as will Zorroza, La Ribera, and Otxarkoaga.
Municipal officials indicated that permits were exhaustively analyzed in recent hours to minimize risks. The City Council urged citizens to take precautions, and clandestine bonfires are strictly prohibited.
“"The stacking of materials forming the bonfire must not exceed three meters in height, and the use of explosives or flammable liquids is prohibited, as are materials that can produce large amounts of toxic smoke."
Furthermore, a safety perimeter of at least 4 meters must be maintained between the bonfire and the public, with only those controlling the fire allowed within. Placing the bonfire on paved surfaces, whether asphalt or tiles, is forbidden. If the wind is strong and hinders flame control, suspension should be considered.
Many other municipalities will maintain their San Juan festivities and bonfires. These include Orozko, Portugalete (where fireworks have been suspended), Erandio and Leioa, Sestao, Trapagaran, and Muskiz. In Sopuerta, the bonfire will be smaller, and Durango has modified its program.
The Provincial Council, meanwhile, has called on citizens to exercise extreme caution and avoid unnecessary risks when lighting bonfires and engaging in activities that could cause fire. According to the provincial institution, it is important to adequately assess the location for lighting, its size, and the presence of vegetation or combustible elements in the surroundings that could facilitate fire spread. If in doubt or if there is risk, the recommendation is not to light them. Bizkaia's fire services and the Provincial Forest Service retainers will be fully operational to respond where needed via 112.
