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Murcia prepares for eclipse with 500 extra personnel and forest restrictions
The Region is taking extra precautions as the eclipse is expected to attract huge crowds during a period of extreme heat and high fire risk
The Region of Murcia is stepping up its emergency response ahead of Wednesday August 12's solar eclipse, with around 500 personnel being placed on alert as authorities prepare for large crowds and a very high risk of forest fires.
A huge security operation is being carried out right across Spain for the eclipse, which is expected to attract millions of people. Nationally, 33,600 National Police and Guardia Civil officers are being deployed to help manage crowds, traffic and potential emergencies.
In the Region of Murcia, the operation will involve local police officers, Civil Protection volunteers, environmental agents, forestry brigades and staff from the 061 emergency service.
Around 160 of those involved will be environmental personnel, including 30 environmental agents and 24 forestry brigades. They'll be responsible in particular for ensuring people comply with the temporary closure of public forests and protected natural areas.
The closures have been introduced because of the extreme risk of forest fires and concerns about large numbers of people gathering in natural areas to watch the eclipse.
The Region is already experiencing exceptionally high summer temperatures and Aemet's fire risk forecast is between very high and extreme across practically the entire Region of Murcia.
Additional restrictions will therefore apply in forest areas from 6am on Wednesday August 12 until 7am on Thursday August 13.
During this period, vehicles and motorised machinery will be restricted on roads crossing forest land. Lighting fires in recreational areas will also be prohibited, while motor vehicle trials and competitions on routes crossing mountainous areas will not be permitted.
Environmental agents will increase their surveillance of protected natural areas, forests and mountains, while the Forest Fire Defence Unit will remain on alert to respond quickly if a fire breaks out.
Health services are also preparing for the event. The 49 fixed bases and three operational bases operating under the 061 Summer Plan will be on alert, alongside the 061 emergency coordination centre.
The authorities are reminding anyone planning to watch the eclipse to use approved solar viewing glasses and never look directly at the Sun through binoculars or telescopes.
People are also being urged to plan their journeys in advance, follow instructions from the police, Guardia Civil, Civil Protection and environmental agents and call 1-1-2 in an emergency.
"We can all enjoy this eclipse, but we must all do so responsibly to avoid endangering our health and damaging our natural spaces," said Marcos Ortuño, Minister of the Presidency, Youth, Foreign Affairs and Emergencies.
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