Camping and leisure outdoor activities banned in 275 towns during heatwave

The Catalan government has banned outdoor activities, including camping and walking in natural parks, in 275 towns during the ongoing heatwave. The executive wants to avoid wildfires due to the high risk of them starting, given the current conditions. 

Authorities have increased the Pla Alfa risk plan to level 3 in the different municipalities that are spread out across 20 counties. One of the other measures is also to prohibit the entry to the natural parks of Montgrí, Cap de Creus, l’Albera, Gavarres, Montsec d'Ares, Montsec de Rúbies, Baronia de Rialp, Montserrat, and Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac.

The areas under restriction are spread out across the territory. In the below map, the parts in dark red are where the 275 municipalities are located, and the parts in black show where access is restricted. 

Demà s'activarà el nivell 3️⃣ del Pla Alfa a 2️⃣7️⃣5️⃣ municipis.

📛 Es tancaran els accessos a: Montgrí, Cap de Creus, L'Albera, Les Gavarres, Montsec d'Ares, Montsec de Rúbies, Baronia de Rialb, Montserrat i Sant Llorenç de Munt i l'Obac.

⚠️ Precaució!

👉 https://t.co/YXJGsYSIVW pic.twitter.com/rCzYAEWPow

— Agents Rurals (@agentsruralscat) July 14, 2022

In these areas, all leisure outdoor activities such as camping, routes, and sports taking place in natural environments are also banned. 

According to Catalan interior ministry officials, the situation will be continuously evaluated over the weekend to decide whether on Tuesday these restrictions should be lifted or extended. 

"We urge citizens to be responsible, prudent, and cautious due to this extremely dangerous and risky situation," Catalan interior minister Joan Ignasi Elena said in a press conference.

Further to leisure activities, the ministry has also prohibited summer camp houses’ exercises outdoors and are only allowed to take place near the buildings. 

Farmers will not be allowed to work heavy machinery between 12 pm and 6 pm unless they are harvesting fruit, vegetables, or rice.