Ibiza and Formentera were placed at the highest level of forest fire danger on Saturday, September 12, with the entire islands classified as Alerta Foc 4.

The maximum level indicates a very high or extreme meteorological risk of forest fire, according to the Balearic Government's forest-fire warning system. The classification automatically activates a series of restrictions designed to reduce the possibility of fires starting during the period of elevated risk.

The Entire Pitiusas Under Maximum Alert

The maximum alert covers the whole of Ibiza and Formentera.

The situation contrasts with most of Mallorca and Menorca, where the majority of areas remained at lower levels of the fire-risk scale on September 12, although some municipalities were also under higher alerts.

Alerta Foc 4 can be declared when the meteorological fire danger is considered very high or extreme, or when specific circumstances identified through the official risk assessment justify the highest level, regardless of whether a separate AEMET weather warning is active.

What Is Prohibited

The activation of Alerta Foc 4 automatically brings additional restrictions into force.

Lighting fires on forest land is prohibited, while the use of barbecues and fires in roadside rest areas, recreational areas and campsites is also prohibited, including locations specifically equipped for this purpose.

Previously granted authorisations for burning agricultural residues, permanent pasture, pruning waste and forestry waste are also temporarily suspended while the highest-risk situation remains in place.

Restrictions on Machinery

The alert also affects certain machinery and equipment.

Machines capable of generating flames, sparks, deflagrations or electrical discharges cannot be used on forest land or in rural areas within 400 metres of forest areas unless their use has been expressly authorised or they are necessary for firefighting operations.

The restriction is particularly relevant for agricultural, construction and maintenance work where equipment could potentially create an ignition source.

Fireworks and Other Ignition Risks

The introduction and use of pyrotechnic material is also restricted under Alerta Foc 4.

The exception applies to urban land located more than 500 metres from forest areas.

Authorities are also prohibiting the throwing or abandoning of burning objects or any other material capable of starting a wildfire.

A Critical Period for Ibiza

The maximum alert comes after a summer in which Ibiza and Formentera have experienced prolonged periods of high temperatures and exceptionally warm nights.

AEMET data also show that temperatures and humidity have contributed to difficult summer conditions across the Pitiusas, increasing the importance of preventive measures during the fire season.

The Balearic Government's fire-risk system is updated daily using meteorological information including temperature, relative humidity, wind and recent precipitation, together with the Canadian Fire Weather Index methodology.

Residents and Visitors Urged to Take Care

With Ibiza and Formentera at Alerta Foc 4, authorities are effectively operating under the highest level of precaution.

Residents, agricultural workers and visitors should pay particular attention to the restrictions on fire, barbecues, machinery and anything that could generate sparks or flames.

The rules apply automatically while the maximum alert remains active.

The Risk Can Change Daily

Alerta Foc is assessed on a daily basis rather than being a permanent classification.

The Balearic Government says the official map is updated daily, meaning the level can rise or fall depending on weather conditions and the wider assessment of fire danger.

For Ibiza and Formentera, however, September 12 brought the highest possible classification.

With the entire Pitiusas under Alerta Foc 4, the immediate priority is prevention: avoiding ignition sources, respecting the temporary restrictions and reporting any sign of fire as quickly as possible.