Aragón strengthens the eclipse security operation with an emergency decree-law
The regulation, in force from 10 to 13 August, introduces new tools to act against unauthorised events, steps up wildfire prevention and provides legal backing for the special operation prepared by the regional government
The Council of Government approved on Wednesday an emergency decree-law to reinforce the operation designed by the Government of Aragón for the total solar eclipse on 12 August. The regulation equips public authorities with new legal instruments to respond more swiftly to the main risks posed by an event that will attract a large number of visitors to the Autonomous Community.
The decree-law will be in force from 10 to 13 August, both dates included, and will apply throughout the territory of Aragón. Its purpose is to strengthen the capacity to respond to possible unauthorised gatherings, step up the prevention of forest fires and ensure that the observation of the eclipse can take place with the highest guarantees of safety for people and protection of the natural environment.
Aragón will be one of the best-placed territories in Europe for viewing the total solar eclipse on 12 August 2026. This opportunity for science communication, astrotourism and the international profile of the Community also demands exceptional measures in view of the increase in mobility, the concentration of people and the high risk of forest fires.
One of the main sections of the decree-law amends the Aragón Law on Public Shows, Recreational Activities and Public Establishments to strengthen action against gatherings, parties or events held without the required administrative authorisation.
The amendment classifies such events as prohibited shows when they lack the mandatory permit, gives public authorities and the Security Forces new tools to intervene rapidly, and reinforces both the regime of emergency provisional measures and the sanctioning framework. This will make it possible to act from the very organisation and preparation phase of these events, before they can create risks for people, property, public order or the environment.
Extraordinary wildfire prevention measures
The decree-law introduces extraordinary measures to reinforce forest fire prevention during the days of highest visitor numbers.
Between 10 and 13 August it will be prohibited to light fires in roadside rest areas, recreational areas and camping zones, including those where it is normally permitted. It will also be prohibited to throw burning objects or any material liable to start a fire, as well as to bring or use pyrotechnic material in woodlands and within a 400-metre perimeter around them.
Motor vehicle access to woodlands will likewise be restricted for anyone not involved in surveillance, firefighting or forest management. The regulation maintains the necessary exceptions for access to private properties, designated car parks, tourist accommodation, hospitality establishments, urban centres, professional activities and emergency or general-interest operations.
Breaches of these prohibitions will be classified as serious offences and may be punished with fines ranging from €1,001 to €100,000, in accordance with the Consolidated Text of the Aragón Forestry Law.
Legal backing for the eclipse operation
The decree-law also provides legal backing for the specific planning designed by the Government of Aragón to manage eclipse observation under safe conditions.
The regulation supports the organisation of the four Official Observation Points of the Government of Aragón — Javalambre, Épila, Calamocha and MotorLand — designed to channel part of the expected influx towards pre-planned venues with parking, basic services and security measures, reducing pressure on sensitive natural areas and preventing unplanned gatherings.
Alongside these Official Observation Points, local councils may set up local observation sites following the guidelines issued by the Directorate-General for Home Affairs. Ariza and Cariñena are already planned as local sites, and other municipalities may join by organising venues in line with the criteria established by the Government of Aragón regarding safety, accessibility, fire prevention and coordination with public services.
The approval of the decree-law responds to the extraordinary and urgent need for these measures to be fully in force before the central days of the eclipse. The high expected influx of visitors, the forest fire risk inherent to the month of August and the possibility of unauthorised gatherings make it necessary to have a specific, time-limited legal framework that allows for more effective action.
With this regulation, the Government of Aragón strengthens the operation designed for the eclipse on 12 August and advances planning aimed at ensuring the astronomical event can be enjoyed with the highest guarantees of safety for people and protection of the natural environment.
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