SPAIN’s annual San Juan celebrations may have been extinguished before the night even begins, after concerns of mass fires cause termination in certain areas.

While preparations have already begun for the beach bonfires to celebrate Spain’s pagan celebration of San Juan, some areas have already been told to pull the plug. 

After Basque Country’s Department of Security called for a pre-emergency situation for fear of fires spreading, several areas have decided to call off their San Juan bonfires altogether. 

The fires will cease to ignite in Sopela, Getxo, Barakaldo, Santurtzi, Gernika and Amorebieta. 

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The cause of cancellations is due to the most recent red weather alert, shown above in AEMET’s X post. 

Temperatures in five Spanish provinces are set to experience a brutal heat of 42 degrees.

Given that Spain has already lost 37,968 hectares of land from forest fires since the start of 2026, authorities are trying to prevent any further catastrophic burnings. 

Catalunya remains on edge and has placed both Castilla-La Mancha, Galicia and the Valencian Community on high alert for potential fires. 

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Although San Juan parties typically take place later in the evening, meteorologists have warned that tonight ‘will offer no respite’ with temperatures likely staying around 25 degrees across Spain. 

However, the bonfies will still blaze in other areas, just with precaution. 

In Bilbao, the mayor has announced that San Juan fires will only take place in urban areas away from vegetation, with firefighters on call if needed. 

Valencia City Council has prepared a special device with more than 300 police officers and preventive surveillance drones on the beaches.

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A fire truck will be based on the promenade of Malvarosa beach and special attention will be paid to the southern beaches, where it is forbidden to light bonfires to protect the integrity of the Albufera Natural Park and the Devesa de El Saler forest.

Elsewhere, firecrackers and bonfires are not allowed on Barcelona’s beaches, although the City Council has allowed a few dozen bonfires in other parts of the city.

In Andalucia, it is down to individual councils to decide whether or not to allow beach bonfires.

Meteorologists have said the extreme temperatures will ease from Thursday to come back down to more typical numbers.

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