The spring and summer of 2026 has set heat records across Europe, and those heatwaves contributed to a dangerous fire season in Spain, France, and Portugal. In recent years, Spain and Portugal have faced significant wildfire threats during periods of dry, hot weather, following a prolonged drought between 2021 and 2025. If you are walking a Camino de Santiago route between July and September, fire safety should be part of your planning.
Why Are Wildfires So Bad in Spain and Portugal?
Prolonged drought combined with hotter than normal summer conditions create a dangerous mix that has increased the normal fire risk across the Iberian Peninsula in recent years.
According to the State of Wildfires project (stateofwildfires.com), the area burned to date in Spain in 2026 is above the historical average. One contributing factor was a particularly wet winter, which encouraged the growth of vegetation that later became fuel for fires as temperatures rose to historic highs across Europe in June and July.
What Is My Fire Risk on the Camino de Santiago?
The Camino routes are as diverse as the landscapes of Spain and Portugal, so your wildfire risk will depend, in part, on the route you choose.
Some Camino routes are more isolated, such as the Camino del Norte, which can present additional risks during a summer with elevated fire danger. Other routes may be more heavily traveled and appear to have less risk, such as the Camino Francés. However, because all of the routes pass through rural and forested areas, the risk of wildfire is real no matter where you walk.
Spain and Portugal both have extensive experience fighting and controlling wildfires. Fires are often contained before they threaten Camino routes. When necessary, however, walkers may be asked to divert from the trail or take an alternative route to avoid danger. Always follow diversion points and do not enter areas under extreme wildfire risk.
How Do I Find Information About Fires Near the Camino de Santiago?
On the most well-traveled Camino routes, the Camino community itself can be one of your best sources of information. Fellow walkers, accommodation hosts, café owners, and other local residents may have the most up-to-date information about the location of fires and the status of trail closures or other restrictions.
Wildfires are a threat not only to walkers but also to the safety and livelihoods of the communities along the Camino. Local residents and businesses will therefore be paying close attention to any developing fire threat.
For current wildfire information in Spain, visit the Civil Protection fire-tracking map at ran-vmap.proteccioncivil.es.
For current wildfire information in Portugal, visit the fire-tracking map at fogos.pt.
How to Stay Safe on the Camino de Santiago
Staying safe on your Camino involves more than just being aware of wildfire conditions. Here are a few simple steps you can take to prepare:
- Always carry plenty of water. Fill your bottle whenever you have the opportunity, especially on hot days or when walking through areas with limited services.
- Dress for changing weather conditions. Carry layers that you can add or remove as the weather changes. A rain poncho and a warmer layer can both be useful.
- Keep your phone charged. Make sure you have access to a local mobile network. Consider purchasing an eSIM for Spain, France, or Portugal from a reputable provider such as Airalo or Saily so you can stay connected while traveling.
- Know the emergency number. The emergency number for Europe (Spain, France, and Portugal) is 112. Save it in your phone before you begin your walk.
- Pay attention to local instructions. If authorities, accommodation providers, or local Camino officials tell you to avoid an area or take a different route because of fire danger, follow their advice.
Most of all, enjoy your Camino! A little preparation and awareness can help you stay safe and make the most of your journey.
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