Foreign office issues 'high risk' travel warning for Spain and Portugal

British tourists travelling to Spain and Portugal have been issued an urgent travel warning. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), which regularly issues and updates travel advice for all parts of the world, has warned travellers of the "high risk" in the two European countries.

According to the Foreign Office, both the countries are prone to a "high risk" of wildfires and people have been urged to follow the rules prescribed by the security and environment agencies. The advice which has been updated on Thursday stated: "There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October."

Madrid, a popular hotspot for British tourists, was hit by a deadly wildfire this week that tragically took one life and led to the evacuation of numerous homes, as temperatures soared past 40C.

Meanwhile, Spain's national weather agency, Aemet, has predicted blistering highs of up to 44C in Seville, as the country continues to bake under extreme heat.

The FCDO explained that causing a wildfire is a criminal offence in Spain, even if unintentional. It stated: "Make sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished, do not light barbecues and do not leave empty bottles behind.

"You can be heavily fined for not following the rules against lighting outdoor barbecues in forest areas. Make sure you know the rules if considering a barbeque."

Earlier this week, over 700 firefighters in Portugal battled a blaze in the municipality of Trancoso, located northeast of Lisbon.

The Foreign office added: "Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The Portuguese authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety reasons.

"Starting a fire, even if it is by accident, is illegal and you could get a fine or a prison sentence.

"For information about active wildfires and forecasts, visit the Portuguese Met Office website."