Municipalities across the province of Almería have intensified calls for residents to clean and clear their plots, parcels, and rural properties. This initiative follows the recent devastating fire in Los Gallardos, which resulted in a tragic toll of 13 fatalities, a dozen injured, and thousands of hectares burned, and amid warnings of a 'critical' summer for fires.
The President of the Regional Government of Andalusia, Juanma Moreno, and the Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, have pointed to 'climate disorder' and 'new generation fires' as aggravating factors for the situation in southern Spain. The province of Almería faces a 'critical' forest fire risk, exacerbated by abundant winter and spring rains which, combined with high temperatures, have led to rapid drying of vegetation.
Decree-Law 5/2026, published in the Official Gazette of the Junta de Andalucía (BOJA) on April 28, 2026, outlines the high-risk situation, which runs from June 1 to October 15. In this context, municipalities like Antas, affected by the recent fire, have reminded residents through public notices of the importance of keeping urban and rural land clean, especially areas near homes, to reduce risk and ensure safety.
The Albox City Council has also emphasized the mandatory nature of this cleaning, urging the removal of weeds, dry grass, pruning waste, and rubbish, and maintaining a perimeter free of dry vegetation around buildings. In the Los Filabres-Tabernas region, the Fiñana City Council, via a notice signed by Rafael Montes, has urgently requested the removal of dry branches and vegetation debris, particularly on plots adjacent to the urban center.
Meanwhile, the Berja City Council has reiterated the prohibition of barbecues in the Castala Peri-urban Park until October 15 and has urged extreme caution, asking people to call the emergency number 112 if they see smoke or flames. Much of the province of Almería is currently on high temperature alert, increasing the risk of fires.
