The Foreign Office has issued an urgent warning to holidaymakers heading over to Spain in the coming days as a heatwave causes chaos across Europe.
Wildfires have been spreading across Western Europe with parts of Portugal, France and Spain engulfed in flames. It comes as Spain's Prime Minister announced that 500 people have died due to the extreme heat.
There have been over 30 forest fires around Spain, forcing thousands of people to evacuate and around 173,00 acres scorched. Authorities are paying close attention to four blazes in Leon, Galicia and Castile.
While the blazes are now under control, the BBC reports that in the Northwestern Zamora province, 6,000 people have been evacuated in 32 villages and two people have died as a wildfire tore through the district.
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As the wildfires continued to rage on, Foreign Travel Advice urged holidaymakers to take care when visiting woodlands in Spain. The released an official warning on July 18.
It read: "There is currently a heightened risk of forest fires due to exceptionally high temperatures in Spain. Take care when visiting or driving through woodland areas.
"Access to some areas such as natural parks and nature reserves may be limited or closed as a result. You should follow the instructions of local authorities and call 112 if you need emergency assistance.
"If you need urgent consular assistance you should call +34 91 714 6300"
Forest fires occur frequently in Spain, including the Spanish islands, during the summer months, when temperatures regularly reach over 40C. Tourists are also reminded that causing a forest fire is considered a criminal offence and can face a heavy fine in Spain, even if unintentional.
There are strict regulations across much of Spain against lighting outdoor barbecues in forest areas and penalties imposed include heavy fines. Some regions prohibit the use of outdoor barbecues in public picnic areas during the summer months.
It comes as many other parts of Europe been experiencing an extreme heatwave. Wildfires were spreading through Western Europe, including Greece and now Germany is on alert as they expect temperatures to reach 40C.
On Tuesday wildfires broke out across England after parts of the UK saw record breaking temperatures, ripping through homes and land.
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