The Valencian Regional Government has announced the complete closure of natural parks in the provinces of Valencia and Castellón on August 12, the day of the total solar eclipse. The Sierra de Mariola, Font Roja, and Pego-Oliva natural parks in the province of Alicante will also be closed to the public.
According to the Consell, this measure is being taken as a precaution against the risk of wildfires, to prevent traffic congestion on access roads, and to ensure the efficiency of emergency services.
On August 10, two days before the eclipse, Level 0 of the Valencian Community’s Territorial Emergency Plan will be activated, with the aim of preparing emergency response teams. On the 12th, starting at 12:00 a.m., Level 2 will be activated, along with a ban on walking through any type of forested area; all events scheduled in rural areas will also be suspended.
This operation complements the closure of La Albufera, La Devesa del Saler, and the CV-500 announced last week by the Valencia City Council.
As an exceptional measure, the resources available to emergency services and firefighters will be increased, with all 26 aerial units and 6 additional forest firefighting units on standby. The Emergency Medical Service will be bolstered by 13 units, and the operating hours of another 9 will be extended. Additionally, two preventive command posts will be established in Valencia and Castellón to oversee the operation and handle telephone calls regarding potential emergencies.
Where to officially view the eclipse
This new measure substantially reduces the number of natural, unbuilt areas where the eclipse can be observed. However, the Valencian Regional Government has established nine official observation points in the provinces of Castellón and Valencia:
Official viewing locations in Castellón
- Benassal – Sant Cristòfol Chapel: capacity for 1,000 people.
- Castellón de la Plana – Castellón Beaches (from the Planetarium to the river): capacity for 60,000 people.
- Onda – Onda Castle: capacity for 1,000 people.
- Peñíscola – Park-and-Ride Lot: capacity for 5,000 people.
Official viewing locations in Valencia
- Aras de los Olmos— Cerrao Santo and La Higueruela districts: capacity for 5,000 people.
- Macastre – Macastre Castle: capacity for 1,500 people.
- Puçol – Puçol Beach: capacity for 1,000 people.
- Utiel – La Celadilla, Avenida del Deporte: capacity for 600 people.
- Valencia – Malvarrosa Beach: 10,000 people
