Residents urged to follow summer beach and wildfire safety rules

As summer gets underway across the Costa Blanca, local authorities are reminding residents and visitors about two important seasonal initiatives designed to protect both public health and the environment. From smoke-free beaches along the coastline to restrictions on agricultural burning in rural areas, the measures aim to reduce pollution, prevent wildfires and help everyone enjoy a safer summer season.

Smoke-free shores

The Costa Blanca South is leading the way in the push for healthier beaches, with a growing number of municipalities joining the Playa sin Humo (Smoke-Free Beach) programme.

The initiative aims to reduce exposure to tobacco smoke while helping protect the coastline from cigarette litter, one of the most common forms of beach pollution.

Several of the area’s most popular beaches are now part of the scheme, including San Juan, Postiguet and Urbanova in Alicante, Arenales del Sol and La Marina in Elche, Muchavista in El Campello, several beaches in Guardamar del Segura, and Cala del Cabo Cervera and Cala Piteras in Torrevieja.

The programme forms part of a wider effort to promote healthier public spaces while encouraging greater respect for the natural environment. Cigarette ends remain one of the most frequently discarded items found during coastal clean-up campaigns and can take years to break down.

Although the initiative is largely based on awareness and education, some municipalities have introduced local regulations to strengthen the message. In certain areas, smoking on designated beaches can result in fines, so visitors are advised to check local signage before lighting up.

The move comes as increasing attention is being placed on public health and environmental protection across the Costa Blanca.

With thousands of residents and holidaymakers heading to the coast this summer, local authorities hope the smoke-free beaches will help create a more enjoyable experience for everyone.

Burning ban

If you live on the Costa Blanca countryside and regularly burn garden waste, pruning cuttings or agricultural vegetation, it is time to put away the matches.

The Valencian Government has reminded residents that the annual ban on agricultural burning is now in force and will remain in place until 15 October as part of its summer wildfire prevention campaign.

The restrictions apply to agricultural and forestry vegetation waste on woodland and land located within 500 metres of forest areas, a zone that includes many rural homes, fincas and smallholdings across Alicante Province.

With temperatures rising and vegetation becoming increasingly dry, authorities say the summer months present the highest risk of wildfire. Even a small spark can quickly develop into a major blaze, threatening homes, farmland and protected natural areas.

While some municipalities operate Local Burning Plans that allow limited burning under strict conditions, these exceptions are only available in designated low-risk areas and are subject to wildfire alert levels. Where permitted, burning must generally be completed before 11:00 AM.

Officials are advising homeowners and landowners to check local regulations carefully, as many properties fall within the 500-metre Forest Influence Zone without owners realising it.

The reminder comes as emergency services prepare for the busiest period of the wildfire season, with prevention remaining one of the most effective ways of reducing the risk of potentially devastating fires across the region.