Navarre Forest Fire Sparks Aerial Response Amid Extreme Heat Risk

A forest fire was declared on Sunday in the area south of Pamplona between Beriain and Imarcoain, affecting both wooded terrain and cereal fields. Thick smoke was visible from nearby highways A‑15 and A‑21, prompting a temporary closure of the road and a brief interruption of railway electrification. Firefighters, forest guards, the Navarrese police forces and the Guardia Civil were deployed, supported by aerial units including two helicopters and two cargo planes from the Ministry for the Ecological Transition.

The regional government has classified the fire danger as "extreme" for the coming days, with temperatures forecast to exceed 40 °C and very low humidity. Authorities have issued strict restrictions on agricultural work after 14:00, prohibited outdoor fires such as barbecues and fireworks, and urged residents to avoid activities that could ignite new sparks. The emergency service is coordinating intensified monitoring and may impose further measures if conditions worsen.