The mayor's office has issued a decree activating the emergency plan for the entire day of August 12th, based on the joint resolution from the Directorate of the Valencian Agency for Security and Emergency Response and the Autonomous Secretariat of Environment and Territory. This measure responds to the declaration of pre-emergency level 3 for extreme forest fire risk, within the framework of the Valencian Community's (PEIF) special plan.
The Local Police will take the necessary measures according to the pre-established plan, as the activation of the emergency plan puts municipal services on alert. Locally, all access to the Sierra de Santa Pola will be closed, and pedestrian traffic throughout the area will be prohibited. The Salinas de Santa Pola Natural Park will also be notified, even though it is not directly under the City Council's jurisdiction.
Given the expected influx of citizens for the solar eclipse observation on the 12th, the City Council recommends not accessing the roads of Cabo de Santa Pola, as the eclipse will not be visible from there. It is suggested to watch the phenomenon from the western part of the municipality, between the Club Náutico breakwater, Gran Playa, Playa Lisa, and Tamarit, taking all safety measures and using approved protective glasses.
Throughout the Valencian Community, the declaration of pre-emergency level 3 entails the prohibition of pedestrian traffic on trails and cross-country, as well as a general ban on lighting any type of fire in forest areas and their influence zone (up to 500 meters). All permitted fire uses and local burning plans are also suspended, as are any authorizations for sporting circulation through forest areas.
Additionally, it is prohibited to circulate on forest tracks and roads with any type of vehicle, bicycle, or on foot in protected natural areas, and interpretation centers will be closed on August 12, 2026, except for management, supply, maintenance, surveillance vehicles, or access to residences and agricultural holdings.
Citizens are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, prioritize urban areas for eclipse observation, respect access and exit routes, park only in designated areas, and keep evacuation corridors clear. It is also requested to use approved eclipse glasses and make responsible use of mobile phones, using 112 exclusively for emergencies.
